If you are trying to locate the area code 923, the clear answer is that Area Code 923 is not currently assigned to any city, state, or geographic region within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
The fact that you have received a call or text message displaying 923 on your Caller ID is a definitive indication that the number has been spoofed (falsified) and is a scam attempt or high-volume spam. It is a reserved code that is currently inactive.
This comprehensive guide clarifies the status of the 923 area code, explains the methods scammers use, and provides essential consumer advice for protecting your information.
The Unassigned Status of Area Code 923
Area codes are meticulously managed by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). Codes are categorized as either active (geographic), non-geographic (toll-free or special services), or reserved for future need. The 923 area code falls into the reserved category.
Key Facts About Area Code 923
| Detail | Information |
| Status in the NANP | Unassigned (Dormant and not yet activated for use) |
| Location | None (Not tied to a physical location in the US or Canada) |
| Time Zone | None (Not applicable) |
| Legitimate Use | None. You cannot obtain an active phone number starting with 923. |
The International Confusion: +92
The sequence “92” is a critical part of the international dialing system. The international country code +92 is the dialing prefix for Pakistan. Scammers operating from Pakistan often use phone numbers that begin with the country code +92 followed by the first digit of a mobile prefix (often a ‘3’), leading to the format +92 3XX….
Because the 923 area code is unassigned in North America, and +92 is a known international scam source, the call is considered extremely high-risk, whether it is a domestic spoof or an international fraud attempt.
The Scam Tactic: Why Scammers Use 923
Scammers use Caller ID Spoofing technology to alter the number that appears on your phone. They target unassigned codes like 923 for simple reasons:
- Avoidance: It prevents the victim from tracing the call back to a legitimate service provider.
- Bypass Filters: Using an unfamiliar or invalid code can sometimes slip past basic spam-blocking algorithms.
These spoofed calls typically fall into the category of financial fraud or impersonation scams, often threatening legal action (fake arrest warrants) or demanding urgent payment/information.
Actionable Steps: What to Do If You Get a 923 Call
Since a call from the 923 area code is a verified scam alert, you must take immediate protective action:
- Do NOT Answer or Reply: Never pick up or reply to an unknown number from this code. Answering confirms your line is active, and replying to texts (even with “STOP”) alerts the spammers to your vulnerability.
- Do NOT Call Back: Never return a missed call from 923. You risk being connected to a premium-rate line that will charge you exorbitant international or per-minute fees.
- Block and Report: Block the specific number on your smartphone. While the next call may come from a different spoofed number, reporting the incident to the FCC helps regulatory bodies track and combat the sources of robocalls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the true country code for Pakistan?
The country code for Pakistan is +92. Any call with the +92 prefix is coming from Pakistan.
Can a local call show up with a 923 area code?
No. A legitimate local call will use your assigned 3-digit geographic area code (e.g., 212, 718, 954, 702). Calls appearing from the 923 area code are using a fictitious number.
Will 923 ever become an active area code?
It is reserved for future use by the NANPA. Eventually, it may be assigned to a US or Canadian region facing number exhaustion, but until that official announcement, it remains unassigned and fraudulent.
Conclusion
The Area Code 923 is a clear indicator of a spoofing attempt and a high-risk scam. Your safest course of action is to ignore the call and utilize your phone’s built-in security features to block all future calls from this unassigned prefix.
