The 473 area code is a valid geographic telephone code that serves the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, along with its smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Although it appears identical to a domestic US area code, 473 is an international code. Due to this appearance, the 473 area code has been notoriously used in a form of telephone fraud often referred to as the “473 Scam” or “One-Ring Scam.”
This guide provides the official location and dialing rules for the 473 area code and, most importantly, crucial advice on how to avoid falling victim to the associated scam.
Where is the 473 Area Code Located?
The 473 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), having been split from the original 809 area code in 1997. The three digits 473 conveniently correspond to the letters G-R-E on a standard telephone keypad, serving as a mnemonic for Grenada.
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code: | 473 |
| Country: | Grenada (Sovereign Island Nation) |
| Country Code: | +1 (Part of the North American Numbering Plan) |
| Major Islands/Cities: | St. George’s (Capital), Carriacou, Petite Martinique |
| Time Zone: | Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is UTC/GMT -4 hours. Grenada does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Time Zone Comparison
Grenada’s Atlantic Standard Time (AST) means that it is:
- 1 hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- The same time as U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Critical Warning: The 473 Scam (One-Ring Fraud)
The 473 area code is one of the most recognized codes used in the high-cost “One-Ring Scam,” or Wangiri fraud. Scammers specifically use three-digit international codes that look like they could be domestic US numbers.
How the Scam Works:
- The Missed Call: Scammers use robocall technology to dial your number and hang up after just one ring.
- The Trick: They rely on your curiosity or the expectation of a business call to prompt you to call the number back.
- The Charge: If you call back a 473 number, you are making an expensive international call that is often routed to a premium-rate service. You will be charged an immediate connection fee and exorbitant per-minute rates (sometimes $5.00 or more per minute) for as long as the scammers can keep you on the line. These charges show up on your monthly phone bill.
Actionable Safety Advice:
- Do Not Call Back: The golden rule is to never return a call or text from the 473 area code unless you have verified that you know the caller and are expecting communication from Grenada.
- Block International Outgoing Calls: Contact your mobile carrier and request they block all outgoing international calls from your line (if you don’t need them) to prevent accidentally falling for this or similar callback scams.
- Report the Call: File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you have been targeted or incurred charges.
How to Dial the 473 Area Code
If you have a legitimate need to call Grenada, the dialing procedure follows the standard NANP 1 + Area Code + 7-digit number format.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions:
- Dial the Long-Distance Prefix: Dial 1 (or the plus sign + on a mobile phone).
- Dial the Area Code: Enter 473.
- Dial the Local Number: Enter the 7-digit local number.
Crucial Note: Even when dialed correctly, your carrier will treat this as an international call and apply applicable high international rates unless your phone plan specifically includes the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 473 a domestic US area code?
No. The 473 area code is an international code for Grenada. Despite using the NANP +1 country code, calls to 473 are international and subject to international long-distance fees.
What is the capital city of Grenada?
The capital city of Grenada, covered by the 473 area code, is St. George’s.
How many digits are in a Grenada phone number?
Grenada phone numbers consist of 10 digits total (the 3-digit area code 473 plus the 7-digit local number).
Conclusion
The 473 area code is the legitimate, active telephone code for Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. However, its similarity to US domestic codes makes it a top target for international scammers. For your financial safety, the single most important rule is to never return an unexpected or missed call from the 473 area code.
