Everything You Need to Know About 651
So you got a call from a 651 number and you're wondering where it came from? That's Minnesota. More specifically, 651 covers St. Paul.
This area code has been around for 27 years now - it was created in 1998. It was added when the region needed more phone numbers as the population grew.
Quick Tip
People in the 651 area are on Central Time (CT). If you're in a different time zone, double-check before calling so you don't reach them at an awkward hour.
Here's Something Worth Knowing
Just because you see 651 on your caller ID doesn't guarantee the person is actually sitting in Minnesota right now. Since 2003, people can take their phone numbers with them when they move. Your old college roommate who grew up near St. Paul? They might be living in Texas now but still using their 651 number.
That said, a 651 number usually means the person originally got their phone number somewhere in Minnesota. Or they specifically chose a 651 number for business reasons - maybe to seem local to customers in the St. Paul area.
How to Dial a 651 Number
If you're calling from somewhere else in the country, just dial 1 + 651 + the 7-digit number. Calling from overseas? Use your country's exit code (usually 00 or +), then 1 for the US, then 651 and the rest.
Should You Be Worried About Scams?
Here's the honest truth: scammers can fake any area code they want, including 651. It's called "spoofing" and it's frustratingly common. So if you get a call from 651that feels off - someone asking for your Social Security number, claiming you won a prize, or demanding immediate payment for something - trust your gut and hang up.
Real businesses and government agencies don't cold call asking for sensitive info. If you're unsure whether a call was legit, look up the company's official number yourself and call them back.
Cities and Towns Using 651
The 651 area code serves quite a few places across Minnesota. Here's where you might find someone with this area code: