Decoding the “00905” Call: The Ultimate Guide for US Consumers to International Numbers, Scams, and Costs

Part 1: The “00905” Mystery Solved: What It Is and What It Isn’t

 

Receiving a call from an unfamiliar international number can be unsettling. When the number appears in a confusing format like “00905,” it often leads to questions about its origin and intent. This guide provides a definitive explanation, demystifying the number and empowering consumers with the knowledge to handle such calls safely and confidently.

 

1.1 The Direct Answer: Why “00905” Is Not a Country Code

 

The sequence “00905” is not a valid country code. The confusion arises from a misunderstanding of how international telephone numbers are structured. A standard international call format consists of three distinct parts:

1. International Call Prefix (or Exit Code): This is the code dialed to get an international line from a specific country. For callers in the United States and Canada, the exit code is 011. For most countries in Europe and many other parts of the world, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommends the prefix  

   00.  
2. Country Code: This is a unique one- to three-digit code assigned to each country. For example, the country code for the United Kingdom is 44, for Mexico it is 52, and for Turkey it is 90.  
3. National Number: This is the local phone number within the destination country, which often includes an area code.  

The plus sign (+) has become the universal symbol for the international call prefix on mobile devices. When you see a number like +90..., the + tells your phone to automatically use the correct exit code for the country you are in, whether it’s 011 from the US or 00 from the UK.  

Therefore, a number displayed as 00905... is most likely a combination of the 00 exit code used in another country and the beginning of a Turkish phone number, which starts with the country code 90 followed by a mobile prefix like 5xx.

 

1.2 The Most Likely Scenario: A Call from Turkey (Country Code +90)

 

The most probable origin of a call appearing as “00905…” is the nation of Turkey. Turkey’s international country code is 90. The confusion stems from how a call originating from Europe and destined for a Turkish mobile phone would be dialed and potentially displayed on a US caller ID.  

The Turkish telephone numbering plan is a closed system with a 10-digit National Significant Number (NSN). This NSN is composed of a 3-digit area code (for landlines) or a mobile network prefix, followed by a 7-digit subscriber number.  

• Dialing a Turkish Mobile from Europe: A person in Germany, for example, wanting to call a Turkish mobile number like 532-123-4567 would dial: 00 (German exit code) + 90 (Turkey country code) + 5321234567 (Turkish national number).
• Caller ID Display: On a US phone, this incoming call might be displayed as 00905321234567. A user unfamiliar with this format could easily misinterpret “00905” as a single block.

Turkey has three main mobile network operators, each with designated prefixes. However, due to mobile number portability, a number’s prefix does not definitively guarantee the subscriber’s current carrier.  

• Turkcell: Prefixes include 530-539 and 561.  
• Vodafone: Prefixes include 540-549.  
• Türk Telekom (formerly Avea): Prefixes include 500-509 and 550-559.  

 

1.3 The North American Alternative: A Call from Canada (Area Code 905)

 

While less likely, there is a possibility of confusion with the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. Within this system, 905 is a prominent telephone area code.  

The 905 area code serves the “Golden Horseshoe” region of Southern Ontario, Canada, which is the densely populated suburban ring surrounding Toronto. This area includes major cities like Hamilton, Mississauga, and Brampton. The term “the 905” or “905 belt” has entered the cultural lexicon to describe these suburbs, often in contrast to Toronto proper, which is known as “the 416”.  

A call from this Canadian area code to a US phone number would typically be displayed as +1 (905) xxx-xxxx. The “1” is the country code for all NANP members, including Canada. For the number to appear as “00905,” it would have to be routed through a non-standard international VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service that incorrectly prepends a “00” prefix. While technically possible, it is a far less common scenario than a direct call from Turkey.

 

1.4 The Vulnerability of Confusion

 

The very existence of the “00905 country code” query highlights a widespread gap in public understanding of telecommunications. Scammers deliberately exploit this ambiguity. They understand that most people do not know the difference between an international exit code, a country code, and a domestic area code. This lack of a clear mental framework for deconstructing an unfamiliar number creates a state of uncertainty and curiosity—the perfect psychological conditions for a scam to succeed.

When a user sees a confusing number like 00905..., they are unable to quickly categorize it. Is it a domestic call? Is it international? Is it important? This moment of hesitation is precisely what fraudulent schemes like the Wangiri scam are designed to capitalize on. The scammer’s goal is to create a missed call that is just mysterious enough to provoke a callback. By understanding the basic components of international dialing, consumers can close this knowledge gap, transforming an anxious mystery into a simple, identifiable call from a specific country, which is the first and most crucial step in personal security.

 

Part 2: The Dark Side: A Deep Dive into Phone Scams Exploiting International Numbers

 

While a call from an international number can be legitimate, many are part of sophisticated scams designed to defraud unsuspecting victims. The ambiguity of numbers starting with prefixes like +90 makes them a common tool for fraudsters. Understanding these schemes is the best defense against them.

 

2.1 The “Wangiri” Scam: The One-Ring Threat from Abroad

 

One of the most prevalent scams involving international numbers is the Wangiri scam. “Wangiri” is a Japanese term meaning “one ring and cut,” which perfectly describes the method.  

How It Works:

1. The Call: Scammers use automated systems to place thousands of calls to random phone numbers from expensive, premium-rate international lines that they control.  
2. The “One Ring”: The phone rings just once—or twice—before disconnecting. This is intentional, ensuring the call is missed and appears in the recipient’s call log. The calls are often placed late at night or during business hours to decrease the odds of being answered directly.  
3. The Bait: The missed call from an unknown international number is designed to trigger curiosity or concern. The victim, thinking they missed an important call, is tempted to call back.  
4. The Trap: When the victim returns the call, they are connected to the premium-rate number. They are immediately hit with a high connection fee and steep per-minute charges. The scammer’s goal is to keep the victim on the line for as long as possible, often using recordings of ringing tones, hold music, or a fake message like “Hello? I can’t hear you, please wait” to prolong the call and maximize the fraudulent charges. A portion of these fees is then kicked back to the scammer.  

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued multiple warnings about this scam, emphasizing that a legitimate caller will either call back or leave a voicemail.  

 

2.2 The “90#” Scam: A Legacy Landline Fraud

 

Another specific fraud is the “90#” scam. According to the FCC, this is a legacy scam that primarily targets businesses using older landline phone systems, specifically those with a Private Branch Exchange (PBX).  

In this scheme, a scammer calls a business and, impersonating a telephone company employee, convinces an employee to dial 90# to access an “outside line” for a test. This action effectively transfers the scammer to an open line, allowing them to make long-distance or international calls that are then billed to the victim’s business account.  

It is critical to understand that this scam does not work on modern mobile phones. Widespread online rumors claiming that dialing #90 or #09 on a cellphone can clone your SIM card or give scammers access to your data are a hoax. Fact-checking organizations and law enforcement have confirmed that these codes do not affect cellular devices in this way.  

 

2.3 Is a Call from Turkey (+90) Always a Scam?

 

A call from a number with the +90 country code is not automatically a scam. Turkey is a major country with a population of over 85 million people, a significant economy, and deep ties to the US. However, certain international phone prefixes, including Turkey’s, have been noted as being frequently used in scam operations.  

This happens for several reasons. Scammers often exploit VoIP services that route calls through countries with less stringent telecommunications regulations or where they can purchase bulk phone numbers cheaply. Therefore, while the call may appear to originate from Turkey, the scammer could be located anywhere in the world. The key is not to judge the country but to evaluate the context of the call. An unexpected, unsolicited call from any international number you don’t recognize should be treated with suspicion.  

 

2.4 A Comprehensive Glossary of Modern Phone Scams Targeting Americans

 

Fraudsters use a wide array of tactics. Being able to identify the “script” is a powerful defense. Here are some of the most common phone scams reported in the United States :  

• Imposter Scams: This is a broad category where the caller pretends to be someone you trust.
  • Government Imposters: Callers claim to be from the IRS, threatening arrest for unpaid taxes; the Social Security Administration, claiming your SSN has been suspended; or law enforcement like the FBI or DHS, alleging you are involved in a crime. Their goal is to scare you into providing personal information or sending money via wire transfer or gift cards.  
  • Corporate Imposters: Scammers may pose as representatives from well-known companies like Amazon, Apple, or your bank, often with a fake fraud alert, to trick you into giving them account access.  
• Romance Scams: Prevalent in international contexts, these scams involve a fraudster building a romantic relationship online, sometimes for months. Once trust is established, they invent a sudden emergency—a medical crisis, a visa problem, or a legal issue—and ask for money. The U.S. Mission in Turkey receives over 100 inquiries a month related to this scam.  
• Grandparent/Family Emergency Scams: A scammer calls, often late at night, claiming to be a grandchild or other relative who is in trouble abroad (e.g., arrested, in a hospital) and needs money wired immediately. They often plead, “Don’t tell Mom and Dad”.  
• Tech Support Scams: You receive a call or a pop-up on your computer from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, stating your device is infected with a virus. They will ask for remote access to your computer, which they use to install malware and steal your personal and financial information.  
• Spoofing: This is the technology that makes many scams more convincing. Scammers falsify the caller ID information to make the call appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a local number (“neighbor spoofing”), a government agency, or your bank.  
• Smishing (SMS Phishing): Instead of a call, you receive a text message that appears to be from a trusted source, like your bank or a delivery service. The message contains a link that, if clicked, can install malware on your phone or lead to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials.  

 

2.5 The New Frontier: How Scammers Exploit the US-Turkey Tourism Boom

 

Scams are not static; they evolve to exploit current events and trends. The dramatic increase in American tourism to Turkey has given rise to a new, highly sophisticated scam targeting travelers.

The scheme preys on users of major hotel booking platforms like Booking.com. Here is the mechanism:

1. The Compromise: Scammers gain access to a legitimate hotel’s reservation system, often by sending phishing emails to the hotel staff to steal their login credentials for the booking portal.  
2. The Impersonation: Once inside the system, the scammers have access to real reservation details: guest names, dates of stay, and contact information. They then use the platform’s official messaging feature to contact guests.  
3. The Fake Urgency: The message, appearing to come directly from the hotel via the trusted app, claims there was a problem with the initial credit card payment. It warns that the reservation will be canceled within a few hours unless the guest “re-verifies” their payment details through a provided link.  
4. The Phishing Link: The link leads to a fraudulent website designed to look exactly like the booking platform’s payment page. A key giveaway is often a subtle misspelling in the URL, such as “verefication-bookings.com” instead of “verification.booking.com”. Unsuspecting guests enter their credit card information, which is stolen by the scammers.  

This scam is particularly dangerous because it leverages a trusted communication channel and uses accurate, personalized information, making it far more believable than a random, context-free call. This evolution from low-context scams like Wangiri, which rely on pure curiosity, to high-context scams that exploit a victim’s actual, real-world activities marks a significant shift. As global travel and business between the US and Turkey grow, the opportunities for such targeted, context-aware fraud will only increase. This underscores the need for consumers to practice “contextual vigilance”—questioning not just unexpected communications, but also any communication that asks for money or credentials, even if it appears to come from a legitimate source.

 

2.6 Modern Phone Scam Identification Matrix

 

To help consumers quickly identify fraudulent calls, the following table breaks down the characteristics of common scams.

 

Part 3: Taking Control: Your Action Plan for Unwanted Calls and Texts

 

Receiving a barrage of unwanted calls is frustrating and can feel invasive. However, modern smartphones and carriers provide a suite of tools to block, report, and silence these disturbances. Taking a few proactive steps can significantly reduce your exposure to scams and spam.

 

3.1 How to Block Unwanted Calls on Your Smartphone: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

The methods for blocking calls differ slightly between iPhone and Android devices.

 

For iPhone Users

 

Apple’s iOS provides several layers of protection against unwanted calls.

• Manually Block a Number: This is the most direct method for a number that has already called you.
  1. Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
  2. Find the number you want to block and tap the circular “i” (info) icon next to it.
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Block this Caller.  
• Silence Unknown Callers: This powerful feature sends any call from a number not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions directly to voicemail without ringing.
  1. Go to Settings > Phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Silence Unknown Callers.
  3. Toggle the switch to the ON position.  
  • Caveat: Be aware that this may cause you to miss legitimate calls from numbers you don’t have saved, such as a doctor’s office or a delivery service.
• Use Third-Party Call-Blocking Apps: For more advanced filtering, you can download apps from the App Store like Truecaller, Hiya, or RoboKiller.
  1. Download the app from the App Store.
  2. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
  3. Toggle the switch ON for the app you installed to allow it to identify and block spam calls.  

 

For Android Users (Samsung & Google Pixel)

 

Android’s flexibility means blocking features can vary by manufacturer, but the core functions are similar.

• On Samsung Galaxy Phones:
  • Block Individual Numbers: From the Phone app, go to the Recents tab. Tap and hold the number you wish to block, then select Block.  
  • Block All Unknown/Private Numbers: Go to the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, and select Settings > Block numbers. Here, you can toggle on Block calls from unknown numbers.  
  • Block International Calls (Call Barring): Some Samsung models offer a carrier-dependent feature to block all outgoing international calls, which can prevent accidental callbacks to scam numbers.
    1. From the Phone app settings, go to Supplementary services > Call barring.
    2. Select Voice call.
    3. Toggle the switch for International calls. You may need a password from your carrier to enable this.  
• On Google Pixel Phones:
  • Block Individual Numbers: In the Phone app’s Recents tab, long-press the number and select Block/report spam.  
  • Use Built-in Spam Protection: Go to the Phone app’s settings and select Caller ID & spam. Ensure “See caller & spam ID” and “Filter spam calls” are enabled.  
  • Screen Unknown Callers: The Pixel’s signature feature, Call Screen, uses Google Assistant to answer calls from unknown numbers and provide a real-time transcript of the conversation, allowing you to decide whether to answer or decline. This can be enabled in the Phone app’s settings under Call Screen.  
  • Note on Blocking by Country: Native Android does not offer a feature to block all calls from a specific country code (e.g., block all +90 numbers). This functionality typically requires a third-party app.  

 

3.2 Reporting and Mitigation: Official Channels to Fight Back

 

Blocking a number is a personal defense, but reporting it helps protect everyone.

• Report Spam Texts to 7726: If you receive a spam text message, forward it to the number 7726 (which spells “SPAM”). This is a free service, and the message is sent to a central database used by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to analyze and block fraudulent messages.  
• File a Complaint with the FCC: For persistent unwanted calls or if you’ve been the victim of a scam, you can file a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC uses this data to identify trends and take enforcement action against scammers.  

 

3.3 The Financial Question: Does It Cost You to Receive International Calls or Texts in the US?

 

A major source of anxiety surrounding international calls is the fear of incurring huge charges simply for answering the phone or receiving a text. For consumers in the United States, this fear is largely unfounded.

The US telecommunications market primarily operates on a “Calling Party Pays” model. This means the person who initiates the call is responsible for the charges. When you are physically located in the United States, an incoming call or text from an international number is treated the same as a domestic one.  

• Carrier Confirmation: Major carriers explicitly state this policy.
  • T-Mobile notes on its support page: “All calls and messages received while in the U.S. are rated as national calls and billed accordingly.” For most modern plans with unlimited talk and text, this means received international calls and messages are free/included.  
  • Verizon and AT&T follow the same principle. A call from abroad to your US number is considered a local call for the person calling you, and for you, it simply uses your plan’s minutes allowance as if it were a call from down the street.  

This fear of being charged for receiving calls is a powerful psychological tool that scammers have implicitly relied on for years. It creates confusion and panic, which can lead to poor decision-making. By understanding that you are not being charged for the incoming call itself, you can remove the financial panic from the equation. This allows you to assess the situation calmly, recognize the call for what it likely is—an annoyance or a scam attempt—and simply block and report the number without fear of financial penalty.

Important Caveats:

• This rule applies only when you are physically in the US. When you are traveling abroad, you are roaming, and receiving calls can incur significant charges depending on your international plan.  
• This does not apply to collect calls, an increasingly rare service where the receiving party explicitly agrees to pay.  
• While modern plans have standardized this, some extremely old or specialized pay-per-use plans may have had different terms. For instance, a Verizon document from 2010 mentioned a 20¢ charge for receiving an international text, but this is not reflective of current unlimited plans.  

 

3.4 The Power of Demystification

 

The belief that receiving an international call costs money is one of the most persistent pieces of misinformation in consumer telecom. This fear can paralyze a user, making them susceptible to further manipulation, such as a follow-up text from a scammer claiming a charge has been applied and providing a malicious link to “dispute” it. By providing a clear, evidence-backed answer from the carriers themselves, this report aims to neutralize that fear. An informed consumer is a resilient consumer, able to distinguish between a genuine financial threat and a mere nuisance that can be safely ignored.

 

Part 4: Calling Turkey from the USA: A Practical Cost and Procedure Analysis

 

For those with legitimate reasons to contact friends, family, or businesses in Turkey, understanding the correct dialing procedure and the associated costs is essential. Making an international call is straightforward, but costs can vary dramatically between carriers and calling plans.

 

4.1 How to Dial Turkey Correctly from a US Landline or Mobile

 

To place a call to Turkey from the United States, you must use the full international dialing format.

• From a Landline: Dial 011 + 90 + Area/Mobile Code + 7-Digit Number.  
  • 011 is the U.S. international exit code.
  • 90 is the country code for Turkey.
  • The next 10 digits constitute the Turkish national number.
• From a Mobile Phone: Dial +90 + Area/Mobile Code + 7-Digit Number.  
  • The + symbol on a mobile phone automatically replaces the exit code (011), making it the universal standard for international dialing from any country.

 

4.2 Key Area & Mobile Codes for Calling Turkey

 

To successfully connect, you need the correct 3-digit code for the specific city or mobile network you are trying to reach. Here are some of the most common codes :  

 

4.3 Cost Breakdown: Calling Turkey with Major US Carriers

 

The cost of calling Turkey can range from a few cents to several dollars per minute, depending on your carrier and whether you use a pay-per-use rate or a monthly international calling plan.

• AT&T:
  • Pay-Per-Use: AT&T’s standard pay-per-use rate for calls to Europe, which includes Turkey, is $2.00 per minute.  
  • Monthly Plan: The AT&T International Calling add-on costs $15 per month and includes unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles in over 85 countries, including Turkey. This is the most cost-effective option for frequent callers.  
• Verizon:
  • Pay-Per-Use: Standard pay-per-minute rates vary and require a lookup on Verizon’s website, but can be expensive.  
  • Monthly Plan: The Global Choice plan allows you to select one country. For Turkey, it costs $10 per month and provides 60 minutes. Calls beyond the 60-minute allowance are charged at a discounted rate of $0.20 per minute.  
• T-Mobile:
  • Pay-Per-Use: Standard per-minute rates apply and must be looked up for Turkey.
  • Monthly Plan: The Stateside International Talk add-on costs $15 per month and provides unlimited calling to landlines in over 70 countries (including Turkey) and to mobile numbers in over 30 countries.  
• VoIP and Calling App Alternatives: For those who make infrequent calls, third-party VoIP services are often significantly cheaper than standard carrier rates.
  • mytello: Charges 3.9¢ per minute to Turkish landlines and 16.9¢ per minute to Turkish mobiles.  
  • BOSS Revolution: Charges 3.8¢ per minute to Turkish landlines and 22.7¢ per minute to Turkish mobiles.  

 

4.4 Comparative Cost of a 10-Minute Call to a Turkish Mobile Number

 

To illustrate the vast difference in cost, this table compares the price of a single 10-minute call to a mobile number in Turkey using various plans. This assumes the user does not have a monthly international package for the pay-per-use options.

As the table demonstrates, relying on standard pay-per-use rates from major carriers for international calls is exceptionally expensive. Even a short call can cost more than a monthly international add-on plan. For anyone planning to make more than a few minutes of calls to Turkey, subscribing to a monthly plan or using a dedicated VoIP service is the most financially prudent choice.

 

Part 5: Legitimate Connections: Why You Might Receive a Genuine Call from Turkey

 

While it is wise to be cautious of unsolicited international calls, it is equally important to recognize that not every call from the +90 country code is a scam. The relationship between the United States and Turkey is multifaceted, involving robust trade, a booming tourism industry, and extensive personal ties. This context is essential for distinguishing a potential threat from a legitimate communication.

 

5.1 The Economic Handshake: US-Turkey Trade and Business

 

The United States and Turkey share a significant and growing economic partnership. In 2024, total goods trade between the two nations was estimated at $32.0 billion. The U.S. exports a wide range of products to Turkey, including aircraft, mineral fuels, iron, and steel, while importing key goods like textiles, vehicles, machinery, and carpets.  

This vibrant commercial activity is facilitated by organizations like the U.S.-Türkiye Business Council, which represents over 40 major U.S. companies with investments in Turkey. This level of trade necessitates constant communication. Consequently, it is entirely plausible for an American professional to receive a legitimate call from a Turkish business partner, supplier, or logistics company.  

 

5.2 The Tourism Boom: A Nation of American Visitors

 

 

Turkey has become a top-tier global destination for American travelers. The numbers illustrate a clear and powerful trend:

• In 2023, a record-breaking 1.33 million Americans visited Turkey. This represents a staggering 131% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.  
• Overall, Turkey welcomed 56.7 million international tourists in 2023, generating $54.3 billion in tourism revenue. Istanbul was crowned the single most-visited city in the world.  
• This growth is supported by increased connectivity, with Turkish Airlines offering nonstop flights to Turkey from 13 U.S. cities.  

This massive influx of American tourists creates numerous scenarios for legitimate communication from Turkish entities. These can include:

• Hotels calling to confirm a reservation or discuss special arrangements.
• Tour operators and travel agents, both local Turkish firms and U.S.-based specialists, contacting clients to finalize itineraries or provide updates.  
• Medical tourism providers contacting prospective patients, as Turkey has become a major hub for procedures like hair transplants and cosmetic surgery, attracting over 642,000 medical tourists in 2021.  
• Carpet and goods vendors following up with past customers, though this can sometimes border on harassment, as reported by some travelers.  

 

5.3 Personal and Familial Ties

 

Beyond commerce and tourism, many Americans have personal connections to Turkey. This includes Turkish-Americans communicating with family, friends living or studying in Turkey, and individuals who have formed relationships with Turkish citizens. For these people, calls from the +90 country code are a normal and welcome part of daily life.

 

5.4 The Double-Edged Sword of Globalization

 

The deep and growing interconnectedness between the United States and Turkey is a double-edged sword. The very channels that foster this vibrant exchange are the ones that scammers exploit. The ease of booking a flight on Turkish Airlines or a hotel on an online platform is what makes travel accessible, but it also creates a pool of identifiable targets for sophisticated, context-aware scams. The billions of dollars in trade require constant communication, which provides cover for business email compromise and other corporate fraud.

Ultimately, the solution is not to sever these connections or to live in fear of any contact from Turkey. Instead, the modern consumer must adopt a mindset of intelligent engagement. By understanding both the legitimate reasons for contact and the specific methods scammers use to mimic them, one can confidently navigate our globalized world. The key is to verify any unsolicited request for money or personal information through an independent channel—by calling the hotel or business back using a number from their official website, not one provided in a suspicious message. This simple act of verification allows individuals to embrace the benefits of international travel and commerce while effectively sidestepping the risks.