If you’ve received a message on WhatsApp from a number starting with +628 or are trying to add a contact and have been told to use the “628 country code whatsapp,” you might be a bit confused. A quick search for the “628 area code” points to San Francisco, California, but the number format suggests an international contact.
This guide will clear up the confusion, explain which country these numbers are from, show you how to format them correctly in WhatsApp, and provide a critical warning about scams associated with this number sequence.
Decoding the Number: It’s Not Country Code 628
The first and most important thing to understand is that there is no country with the dialing code “628.” The number you are encountering is a combination of a real country code and the standard format for mobile numbers in that nation.
The Real Country Code: +62 for Indonesia
The international country code in question is +62, which is assigned to the country of Indonesia.
Why You See “628”: The Indonesian Mobile Number Format
The reason the sequence “628” is so common is due to the structure of Indonesian mobile phone numbers. When written for domestic use in Indonesia, mobile numbers almost always start with a zero, followed by the mobile carrier prefix, which is often a number beginning with 8 (e.g., 0812… or 0857…).
When you format this number for international use on a platform like WhatsApp, you must drop the leading 0 and replace it with the country code +62.
For example:
- A local Indonesian number: 0812-3456-7890
- Becomes the international number: +62-812-3456-7890
As you can see, this creates the +628… sequence that leads to the confusion about a “628 country code whatsapp.”
How to Correctly Add an Indonesian Number to WhatsApp
If you have a legitimate contact in Indonesia you want to add to WhatsApp, following the correct international format is key.
Step 1: Start with the Plus Sign (+)
Open your phone’s address book to create a new contact. Always begin an international number by typing the plus + symbol. This signals to the network that you are entering an international code.
Step 2: Enter the Country Code (62)
After the +, type 62, the country code for Indonesia.
Step 3: Add the Full Mobile Number (Omitting the First ‘0’)
Take the local Indonesian number you were given and remove the leading 0. Enter the rest of the digits right after the country code. The final number in your phone’s contact entry should look like +628…. Once saved, WhatsApp will automatically detect the user if they have an account.
A Critical Warning: Scams and the “628 Country Code WhatsApp”
While you may have legitimate reasons to contact someone in Indonesia, it is crucial to be aware that numbers starting with +62 are heavily used in widespread international scams targeting WhatsApp users across the globe, including in the United States.
Unsolicited Messages are a Major Red Flag
If you receive an unexpected message from a number you don’t recognize beginning with +628…, you should be extremely cautious.
Common Types of Scams
Scammers using Indonesian numbers often employ a few common tactics:
- Fake Job Offers: Messages promising easy, high-paying remote work or “task-based” jobs that require you to pay a fee or provide personal information.
- “Wrong Number” Scams: An attractive profile picture will accompany a message like “Hello, is this John?” or “I think you have the wrong number.” If you respond, they will try to strike up a friendly conversation that eventually pivots to a fraudulent cryptocurrency or investment scheme.
- Impersonation Scams: Messages pretending to be from a friend, family member, or even a company, often with an urgent request for money or information.
How to Stay Safe from WhatsApp Scams
Your security on the platform is paramount. Follow these simple rules to protect yourself.
- Do Not Engage with Unknown International Numbers: If you receive an unsolicited message from a +628… number, the safest course of action is to not reply at all.
- Never Click Suspicious Links or Share Personal Information: Do not tap on any links, download any files, or provide any personal data, no matter how convincing the message seems.
- Block and Report: Use WhatsApp’s built-in safety features. Tap on the contact’s profile, scroll to the bottom, and you will see the options to “Block” and “Report.” Reporting the number helps WhatsApp identify and shut down scam accounts.
In summary, when you encounter the “628 country code whatsapp,” remember that you are dealing with a number from Indonesia (+62). While you can easily add legitimate contacts using the correct international format, you should treat any unsolicited messages from these numbers with extreme caution to keep your personal information and finances safe.
