The search intent for 462 area code is complicated because the three digits have multiple meanings within international and domestic numbering plans.
The direct answer is that the 462 area code is not currently an assigned geographic area code in the United States or Canada. It is, however, an active area code in Mexico, serving parts of the state of Guanajuato. Furthermore, the digits “462” are also used as a local prefix (exchange code) within several existing North American area codes.
This article details the status of the 462 code, specifies the location it serves in Mexico, and provides essential warnings for dealing with unfamiliar calls.
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Status of the 462 Area Code in North America
The three digits 462 are currently unassigned and are reserved for future geographic assignment within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which covers the U.S., Canada, and certain Caribbean nations.
- S. / Canada Status: Unassigned/Reserved. Any call displaying (462) as the area code is likely originating from the limited Mexican territory or from a voice-over-IP (VoIP) service using an intentionally obscure number, which is a common practice for spammers.
- Exchange Code Use: In older and overlaid area codes across the U.S. (such as 506 in New Brunswick, Canada, or 402 in Nebraska), 462 can be found as the exchange code—the three digits immediately following the area code. For example: (506) 462-XXXX.
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The 462 Area Code in Mexico
The most likely geographic assignment for the 462 area code is in Mexico, where it is used as a local area code for parts of the state of Guanajuato in the central region of the country.
Geographic Details
| Detail | Information |
| Country | Mexico |
| State Covered | Guanajuato |
| Major Localities | Cities and towns in the vicinity of Irapuato, Guanajuato. |
| Time Zone | Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6. |
Dialing the 462 Area Code (From the U.S.)
To call the 462 area code from the United States or Canada, you must follow the international dialing format for Mexico:
- 011: The U.S./Canada international exit code.
- 52: The country code for Mexico.
- 462: The area code for the specific region in Guanajuato.
- Local Number: The 7-digit local subscriber number.
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Scam and Security Warnings
Because the 462 area code is unfamiliar to most people in the U.S. and Canada, any unsolicited call from a (462) number carries a significant risk of fraud, especially if you are not expecting international contact.
Scam Risk: Spoofing
If you receive a phone call or text message from a (462) number, it is highly likely the number has been spoofed by a scammer using voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology. The scammer could be located anywhere in the world and is using the obscure code to bypass spam filters and confuse the recipient.
- Do Not Answer: Answering or replying to an unknown number, especially one that looks foreign or ambiguous, confirms to the scammer that your line is active, making you a target for more frequent calls.
- One-Ring Scam Risk: Although not one of the most notorious Caribbean codes (like 876 or 473), calls from unfamiliar international-looking numbers often use the “one-ring” tactic. If you call back, you may be connected to a high-cost premium-rate line, resulting in excessive international charges.
Actionable Steps
- Block the Number: Use your smartphone’s or carrier’s call-blocking features to prevent repeat calls.
- Verify Legitimate Callers: If the caller claims to be a friend, relative, or business, hang up and use a known, verified number (or social media) to contact that person or entity directly.
- Report Suspicion: Report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to assist federal efforts in tracking down fraudulent operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 462 and prefix 462?
A U.S. Area Code is the first three digits of a 10-digit phone number (e.g., 212-XXX-XXXX). A Prefix (or exchange code) is the next three digits (e.g., 212-555-XXXX). In the U.S. and Canada, 462 is a prefix in some areas; in Mexico, 462 is an area code.
Are there any major cities covered by the 462 area code?
In Mexico, the 462 area code primarily serves localities in the state of Guanajuato, including the city of Irapuato, which is a significant metropolitan and industrial center.
Is the 462 area code going to be implemented in the U.S.?
As of now, the 462 code is reserved by the NANPA, but there are no immediate plans or official dates for it to be assigned as a new geographic area code (overlay or split) in the United States or Canada.
