The 784 area code is the single, unique geographical area code for the Caribbean nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), meaning it shares the same country calling code (+1) as the United States and Canada, often leading to confusion.
The code 784 was intentionally chosen because the digits correspond to the letters S-V-G on a telephone keypad—the common abbreviation for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
If you have a missed call or need to dial a number using the 784 area code, this guide provides the necessary dialing instructions, time zone information, and a critical warning about associated scams.
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Location and Identity of the 784 Area Code
The 784 area code serves the entire island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a chain of islands located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean.
- Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Country Code: +1 (Shares the North American Country Code)
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (UTC/GMT -4 hours)
- Major Cities: Kingstown, Georgetown, Barrouallie
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How to Dial a 784 Phone Number
Because the country is within the NANP, calling a 784 area code phone number from the U.S. or Canada is performed using the same 1 + Area Code + Number format as a domestic call, but the call is charged at international rates unless your plan specifically includes the Caribbean.
| Calling From | Dialing Format | Example (Calling Kingstown) |
| U.S. / Canada | 1 + 784 + Seven-Digit Local Number | 1-784-XXX-XXXX |
| Locally (within SVG) | Seven-Digit Local Number Only | XXX-XXXX (Local 7-digit dialing is still available) |
| International (Non-NANP) | International Exit Code + 1 + 784 + Local Number | 00-1-784-XXX-XXXX |
Important Note on Rates: Even though the dialing method is simple, calls placed to a 784 area code phone number from the U.S. or Canada are international calls. Check your mobile or landline plan to avoid high per-minute charges.
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Warning: The 784 “One-Ring” Scam Risk
The 784 area code is listed by federal agencies (such as the FCC and FTC) as one of several Caribbean area codes frequently used by scammers to perpetrate the “one-ring” phone scam.
How the Scam Works
- The Single Ring: Scammers use automated dialers to call phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada and immediately hang up after only one or two rings.
- The Curiosity Trap: The goal is to make you curious enough to call the number back, believing you missed an important call.
- The Costly Connection: If you call the 784 number back, you are connected to an international premium-rate service that charges exorbitant per-minute fees, of which the scammer receives a cut. These charges can appear on your bill as unexpected “premium” or “international” fees.
Safety Steps to Avoid the 784 Scam
- Do NOT Return the Call: Never call back any unknown number that leaves only one ring, especially if the area code is unfamiliar or associated with the Caribbean (like 784, 809, 876, or 473).
- Block Unknown Callers: Use your phone’s built-in features (Silence Unknown Callers on iOS) or your carrier’s spam protection app (e.g., Verizon Call Filter) to filter or block these calls automatically.
- Check Your Bill: Review your monthly phone bill carefully for small, recurring international charges that you do not recognize.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time is it in the 784 area code right now?
The 784 area code operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is UTC/GMT -4 hours. This means St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), so their time offset relative to the Eastern U.S. (ET) may shift during the year.
Is the call from 784 an emergency?
If a call from an international area code is truly important, the caller will typically leave a voicemail message with details and a call-back number. If no message is left, it is overwhelmingly likely to be a scam attempt.
Can I block international calls on my mobile phone?
Yes. You can often request your mobile service provider to place a block on all outbound international calls on your line. This is a free and effective way to ensure you can never fall victim to the “one-ring” call-back scam.
