The search query “area code 851” is typically motivated by a user attempting to identify an unknown caller or find a location associated with this three-digit code.
The direct answer is that Area Code 851 is currently unassigned in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which covers the United States, Canada, and many Caribbean nations. The number sequence is reserved for future use but is not active for commercial telephone service in the US or Canada today.
This article clarifies the official status of the 851 code and explains the likely reason why you may be encountering it on your caller ID.
The Status of Area Code 851 in the US and Canada
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) manages all three-digit area codes in the region.
851 is a Reserved Code
The sequence 851 has not been designated as a geographic Numbering Plan Area (NPA) for any specific city, state, or province. It remains in a pool of unassigned codes for potential future deployment.
- NANP Rules: Area codes are typically introduced as the local numbers in an existing region are exhausted (used up). While codes like 850 (Florida) and 854 (South Carolina) are active, 851 is still awaiting assignment.
- Geographic Neighbors: The 850 area code covers the Florida Panhandle (Central Time), while the 854 area code is an overlay for the 843 region of coastal South Carolina (Eastern Time).
Why You Might See an Number
If you receive a phone call displaying (851) XXX-XXXX on your caller ID, it is highly likely a result of Caller ID Spoofing.
- Scam Activity: Scammers and robocallers frequently use software to mask their true international or VoIP origin and display reserved or unassigned domestic-looking codes like 851. They do this to increase the chance that a recipient will answer a call that appears to be from within the country.
- International Use: While 851 is not a country code, the number sequence is part of numbering systems globally (e.g., in some East Asian countries, 851 is an unassigned prefix within the Zone 8 calling area).
Essential Safety Tip: Dealing with Unassigned Codes
Because Area Code 851 is officially unassigned, the safest approach is to treat any unsolicited call from this prefix as a high-risk scam attempt.
- Never Answer: Do not answer unexpected calls from numbers you do not recognize, especially those with codes that are not in service.
- Do Not Call Back: Do not return the call. Scammers may use tricks (like the “one-ring” scam) to get you to call a premium-rate number, resulting in high charges on your phone bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 851 be a new area code soon?
There is no public announcement or date for the assignment of Area Code 851. New codes are only introduced when required by the demand for new phone numbers in a specific region. For now, it remains reserved for future use.
What is the closest active US area code to 851?
The closest active geographic area codes in the numerical sequence are 850 (Florida Panhandle) and 854 (South Carolina). All these codes fall under the North American Country Code +1.
Does the 851 area code have an official time zone?
No. Since Area Code 851 is unassigned to a specific geographic region, it does not have an official time zone. If it were assigned to a location, its time zone would depend on the state or territory it covers.
How can I verify if an area code is real or assigned?
You can verify the status of any area code by checking the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) website, which maintains the official allocation tables for all US, Canadian, and Caribbean codes.
Conclusion
The search for “area code 851” confirms that this number is unassigned in the United States and Canada. Its appearance on your caller ID should be treated as a warning sign, as it is most likely a result of caller ID spoofing aimed at deceiving the recipient. The best defense is to always be cautious and avoid engaging with unknown numbers from unassigned prefixes.
