The number sequence +237 is the international Country Calling Code for Cameroon, a country located in Central Africa.
It is crucial to understand that the +237 code is not an area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which covers the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Calls from this number are international and, if unsolicited, are often flagged as potential scam attempts.
This article details the location of Cameroon, the correct 9-digit dialing format, the relevant time zone, and provides essential warnings about common phone and WhatsApp scams associated with the +237 code.
Location of Country Code +237: Cameroon
The +237 code covers the entire nation of Cameroon, often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its geological and cultural diversity.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | International Country Calling Code |
| Country: | Cameroon |
| Continent: | Africa (Central Africa) |
| Capital City: | Yaoundé |
| Largest City: | Douala (Economic Hub) |
| Time Zone: | West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC/GMT +1 hour. Cameroon does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Time Zone Comparison
Cameroon’s time zone (WAT) is 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 9 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time (PST).
How to Call Cameroon Using the +237 Code
Cameroon uses a closed national numbering plan where all fixed and mobile numbers are nine digits long after the country code.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):
- Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (standard for the US/Canada) or the universal plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Cameroon Country Code: Enter 237.
- Dial the Full National Number: Enter the full 9 digits.
- Fixed (Landline) numbers typically begin with 2.
- Mobile numbers typically begin with 6.
International Exit Code+237+9-Digit National Number
Example (Calling a Mobile Number from the US):
Critical Scam Warning: Calls and Texts from +237
The +237 Country Code is frequently flagged by security experts and consumer protection agencies globally due to a high volume of originating scams.
Common +237 Scams:
- WhatsApp Job Scams: Scammers initiate unsolicited WhatsApp audio or video calls from +237 numbers, claiming to be from a reputable company and offering easy, high-paying “part-time jobs” (often liking social media posts or reviewing products). The ultimate goal is to lure the victim into a financial task that demands an upfront payment or steals personal data.
- Prize/Financial Scams: Similar to the Nigerian Prince scam, the caller promises a large sum of money or prize but requires the victim to send a small, immediate fee via wire transfer or gift card to receive the funds.
Safety Advice: Block and Report
- Do Not Answer or Engage: If you do not know anyone in Cameroon, do not answer the phone or return the call. Answering a WhatsApp call, especially a video call, can verify that your line is active.
- Block and Report on WhatsApp: If you receive a suspicious message or call on WhatsApp from +237, immediately use the application’s built-in tool to Block and Report the number. This action helps WhatsApp ban the account and prevents future contact.
- International Rates: Remember that any call placed to the +237 code is an international call and can incur significant charges, even if you have an unlimited domestic plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 237 a US area code?
No. The US area code range begins at 201. The sequence 237 is an international Country Calling Code for Cameroon.
Why do I get calls from +237 on WhatsApp?
Scammers target numbers randomly worldwide, and the low cost of using VoIP and international call centers in certain countries (like Cameroon) makes the +237 code a frequent source of these unsolicited calls. Their goal is financial fraud.
Do I need an area code when dialing Cameroon?
No. After the +237 Country Code, you dial the full 9-digit national number. The previous city area codes have been consolidated into the first digit of this 9-digit sequence.
Conclusion
The +237 Country Code belongs to Cameroon. While it is the correct prefix for legitimate international calls to the country, consumers worldwide should be highly vigilant against unsolicited communication from this code, especially on messaging apps, due to its strong association with sophisticated financial scams. Block and report any suspicious contact.
