The 232 area code is not a standard North American Area Code (like 212 or 404). Instead, 232 is the international Country Code for the nation of Sierra Leone in West Africa.
This is a critical distinction, as calls from the +232 code often trigger a high volume of complaints regarding international phone scams, particularly the costly “one-ring scam.”
This guide provides definitive information on the location, proper dialing procedures, and essential security advice to protect you from fraudulent calls originating from the 232 code.
Where is the +232 Country Code Located?
The +232 code is a country-level code that covers the entire West African nation of Sierra Leone.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | International Country Calling Code (Not a US/Canadian Area Code) |
| Country: | Sierra Leone |
| Continent: | Africa |
| Capital City: | Freetown |
| Time Zone: | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or UTC+0 (The same as London, not observing Daylight Saving Time.) |
Within Sierra Leone, the country code is followed by a two-digit geographic area code (e.g., 22 for Freetown) or a two-digit mobile network code. The full dialing format for Sierra Leone numbers is typically ten digits (Country Code + Area Code + Local Number).
How to Call a +232 Number (Dialing Sierra Leone)
To successfully place an international call from outside Sierra Leone, such as from the United States or Canada, you must use the following standard international dialing format:
International Access Code+Country Code+Area/Mobile Code+Local Number
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions:
- Dial the International Access Code (Exit Code):
- From the US or Canada, dial 011.
- From most other countries, the code is 00 or the plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: 232 (The code for Sierra Leone).
- Dial the Local Code: This is a 1- or 2-digit code for the city or mobile network (e.g., 22 for Freetown fixed lines, or a mobile network code like 76 or 30).
- Dial the Subscriber Number: The remaining 6 or 7 digits of the local phone number.
Example (Calling Freetown, Sierra Leone from the US):
011 + 232 + 22 + XXXX-XXXX (The exact number length varies depending on the network type).
Warning: The 232 Code and One-Ring Scams
The +232 country code is one of the international codes most commonly utilized by scammers in a scheme known as the “One-Ring Scam.”
How the Scam Works:
Scammers use robocalling technology to call cell phones (often in North America or Europe) and allow the phone to ring only once before hanging up.
- The Goal: The scammer’s primary goal is to make you see a missed call and prompt you to call back out of curiosity.
- The Trap: When you return the call to the +232 number, you are connected to an international premium-rate service. You will immediately be charged a hefty connection fee, followed by expensive per-minute charges that rapidly accumulate the longer you stay on the line.
- The Result: These high charges, which can quickly amount to hundreds of dollars, are passed on to you via your mobile carrier. The scammer receives a portion of this revenue.
Actionable Tip: Do Not Call Back
If you receive a single ring or a call from the +232 code that you do not recognize or expect, do not answer, and critically, do not call it back. A legitimate caller will leave a voicemail or attempt to contact you through other means.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 232 an Area Code in the United States or Canada?
No. The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) does not use 232 as a valid area code in the US, Canada, or any Caribbean country. The three digits “232” represent the Country Calling Code for Sierra Leone.
Why am I getting calls from the 232 code?
You are likely the target of an international “one-ring scam” or wangiri fraud. Scammers dial large blocks of numbers to trick recipients into calling back their premium-rate lines in Sierra Leone, resulting in high charges on the victim’s phone bill.
How can I stop receiving calls from the +232 Country Code?
- Block the Number: Manually block the specific number if it calls you, though scammers often rotate numbers.
- Use Call Blocking Features: Enable “Silence Unknown Callers” (iPhone) or equivalent features on your Android device to prevent the calls from ringing.
- Ask Your Carrier: Contact your mobile service provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and ask them to block all outgoing international calls from your line. This prevents you from accidentally calling back any international premium-rate scam numbers, including +232.
Conclusion
The 232 code is the official Country Code for Sierra Leone, a nation in West Africa. The most vital takeaway for any consumer is the association of the +232 code with the highly damaging one-ring scam.
To protect yourself from fraudulent charges, never answer or return a call from an unknown number beginning with +232. If you have legitimate contacts in Sierra Leone, always verify their number through a trusted channel before attempting to call them back.
