The search term “area code 237 location” reveals that this number is not a US or Canadian area code. Instead, the sequence +237 is the international Country Calling Code for Cameroon, a nation located in Central Africa.
If you have received a call, text, or WhatsApp message starting with +237, the communication originated from a phone number registered in Cameroon. This code is frequently flagged by global security experts due to its association with numerous international financial and phishing scams.
This article details the location of Cameroon, the correct 9-digit dialing format, the relevant time zone, and provides essential warnings about common scams associated with the +237 code.
Location of +237: The Country Code for Cameroon
The +237 code covers the entire nation of Cameroon, an important country known for its economic and cultural diversity in Central Africa.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | International Country Calling Code (Not a NANP Area 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) means that:
- It is 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- It is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC).
How to Dial a +237 Number: The 9-Digit Format
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 Warning: The +237 Code and WhatsApp Scams
The +237 Country Code is highly associated with sophisticated financial and phishing scams targeting users globally.
Common Scams Associated with +237:
- WhatsApp Job Scams: Scammers frequently place 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 goal is to lure the victim into a financial task that demands an upfront payment.
- “One-Ring” Callback Fraud: Although Cameroon is not in the NANP, some fraudsters may use the code for the general “one-ring” tactic, hoping you call back an international premium-rate line and incur high charges.
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 the call verifies 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.
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.
Do I need an area code when dialing Cameroon?
No. After the +237 Country Code, you dial the full 9-digit national number. Cameroon uses a unified 9-digit system across the country.
Why do I get spam calls from +237?
Scammers target numbers randomly worldwide, and the low cost of using VoIP and international call centers in certain African countries (like Cameroon) makes the +237 code a frequent source of these unsolicited calls designed for financial fraud.
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.
