If you’ve received a call from a number starting with +237, it’s important to know that the 237 area code is not a North American area code; it is the international country calling code for the nation of Cameroon. A common point of confusion is mistaking international codes for domestic ones, which can lead to expensive callback charges and potential scams.
This article will explain exactly where Cameroon is located, how to properly dial a number with the 237 code, and provide a critical warning about a prevalent phone scam associated with this prefix.
Where is Country Code 237 Located?
The +237 country code is assigned exclusively to Cameroon, a country located in Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south.
- Capital City: Yaoundé
- Largest City: Douala
Any call or text message you receive from a number beginning with +237 originates from a phone registered in Cameroon.
How to Call a Number in Cameroon (Using the 237 Code)
If you need to make a legitimate call to Cameroon from the United States or Canada, you must use the international dialing format.
Follow these steps:
- Dial the U.S. Exit Code: Dial 011. This signals that you are making an international call.
- Dial the Cameroon Country Code: Dial 237.
- Dial the Local Phone Number: Dial the 8-digit Cameroonian phone number.
The full dialing sequence will look like this: 011 + 237 + [8-Digit Phone Number]
Important Warning: The “One-Ring” Scam and the 237 Code
The 237 country code has been frequently linked to the “one-ring” or “Wangiri” phone scam. This is a widespread scam designed to trick you into calling an expensive international number.
Here’s how it works:
- A scammer calls your phone from a +237 number and hangs up after only one or two rings.
- Your curiosity is piqued, and you call the number back to see who it was.
- The number you call back is a premium-rate number, similar to a 1-900 number in the U.S. You are then charged exorbitant fees for every minute you are connected, while the scammer collects a share of the profit.
To protect yourself, follow this simple rule: If you receive a call from a +237 number (or any other international code you don’t recognize), do not call it back. If the call is legitimate, the person will leave a voicemail or find another way to contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 237 an area code in the USA or Canada?
No. The number 237 is not used as an area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is exclusively the country code for Cameroon.
What is the time zone in Cameroon?
Cameroon operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1). The country does not observe daylight saving time.
Are calls to the 237 country code expensive?
Yes, calling any international number from the U.S. is typically more expensive than a domestic call. Calling a +237 number will incur international long-distance rates. Check with your mobile or landline provider for their specific rates for calling Cameroon.
What do phone numbers in Cameroon look like?
Phone numbers in Cameroon consist of 8 digits after the +237 country code. Mobile numbers typically start with the digit ‘6’.
Conclusion
To summarize, the 237 area code is the international country code for Cameroon in Central Africa. When dialing this number, you must use the proper international format. Most importantly, be extremely cautious of unexpected calls from numbers with a +237 prefix, as they are often associated with the “one-ring” scam designed to trick you into making an expensive international call. When in doubt, don’t call back.
