Area code 345 is the telephone area code for the entirety of the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. This code operates as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), meaning that calls from the United States and Canada to a 345 number are dialed using the same format as a domestic long-distance call: 1 + 345 + 7-digit local number.
The user’s intent is clearly to find the geographic location of the 345 area code and assess its safety, as many international codes are frequently used in phone scams. This guide provides the geographic details and critical warnings about potential fraud.
Location and Details of Area Code 345
The 345 area code is the only area code covering the Cayman Islands, which consists of three main islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
| Detail | Description |
| Primary Location | Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory) |
| Major City Covered | George Town (Capital and largest city) |
| Other Areas Covered | Bodden Town, East End, North Side, West Bay, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. |
| Time Zone | UTC-5 (Eastern Standard Time, but does not observe Daylight Saving Time). When the U.S. is on DST, the Cayman Islands are one hour behind Eastern Time. |
| Dialing Format | (From the U.S. or Canada) |
| Date Established | September 1, 1996 (Split from the 809 area code). |
Since the 345 area code covers the entire territory, no city codes are required; all phone numbers in the Cayman Islands use the 345 prefix.
Scam Alert: Why You Must Be Cautious with the 345 Area Code
While the 345 area code is perfectly legitimate for calling residents and businesses in the Cayman Islands, numbers from this and other Caribbean NANP territories are frequently exploited by fraudsters in the United States and Canada.
The “One-Ring” International Scam
Area code 345 is commonly associated with a scam known as the “One-Ring Scam.” This trick is designed to persuade you to call back, resulting in unexpected, exorbitant charges.
- The Call: Scammers use automated systems to place a call to your mobile phone or landline and immediately hang up after just one ring.
- The Trap: Because the 345 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the three digits appear just like any U.S. or Canadian area code (e.g., 203, 312). You mistakenly assume the call is domestic or urgent.
- The Cost: If you return the call, you are actually dialing an international number in the Cayman Islands. Your phone carrier may treat this as an international toll call, resulting in premium per-minute rates that can be $5 to $30 or more per minute, with the scammer receiving a kickback from the high charges.
Actionable Steps to Avoid 345 Area Code Scams
If you receive a call from the 345 area code and you do not personally know someone or have business in the Cayman Islands, take these protective measures:
- Do Not Call Back: The safest action is to never return a missed call from any area code you do not recognize, especially those known for “one-ring” scams (e.g., 242, 284, 473, 649, and 345).
- Check Your Bill: If you accidentally call back, immediately check your phone bill for any unexpected charges labeled as “International Toll” or “Premium Services.” Contact your carrier immediately to dispute the charge.
- Set Up International Call Blocking: If you rarely make international calls, contact your telecommunications provider (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, etc.) and request that international calling be blocked on your line. This prevents you from accidentally returning a scam call.
- Report the Number: Report the number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major islands does the 345 area code cover?
The 345 area code covers all three major islands of the Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman (where the capital George Town is located), Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
Is a call from 345 considered an international call?
Yes, a call to or from the 345 area code is an international call, even though it uses the country code prefix (the same as the U.S. and Canada). It will be billed at international rates unless you have an international calling plan that specifically includes the Cayman Islands.
What is the time difference for the 345 area code?
The 345 area code observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round (UTC-5). Therefore, the time difference relative to major North American cities changes seasonally:
- During U.S./Canada Standard Time (Winter): The Cayman Islands are on the same time as New York and Toronto (EST).
- During U.S./Canada Daylight Saving Time (Summer): The Cayman Islands do not change and are one hour behind New York and Toronto (which are on EDT).
Can scammers use local area codes instead of 345?
Yes. Scammers frequently use “spoofing” technology to make a call appear to come from your own local area code or even a very similar local number. If you don’t recognize the number, the best practice remains the same: let it go to voicemail.
