The 473 area code is the telephone area code for the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, including the smaller islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. While it uses the same country code prefix as the United States (the North American Numbering Plan’s “1”), calls to the 473 area code are considered international calls and can result in significant long-distance charges.
Crucially, the 473 area code is frequently used by scammers in a deceptive scheme known as the “one-ring scam.” This article provides essential details on the location of the 473 area code, its time zone, and the vital steps you should take to protect yourself from associated phone fraud.
The 473 Area Code: Location and Key Details
The 473 area code is a geographic numbering plan area (NPA) located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. The number “473” is even a mnemonic for the location, as those digits spell “GRE” (for Grenada) on an alphanumeric telephone keypad.
Primary Location and Time Zone
| Detail | Information |
| Country | Grenada (Sovereign island nation in the Caribbean) |
| Islands Covered | Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique |
| Capital City | St. George’s |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time (AST) |
| UTC Offset | UTC-4 |
| Daylight Saving Time | Grenada does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Major Cities and Parish Areas Covered
Area code 473 covers the entirety of Grenada. Key regions and city codes within the area include:
- George’s (The capital and largest city)
- Grenville
- Gouyave
- Victoria
- Sauteurs
- Hillsborough (on Carriacou)
How to Dial the 473 Area Code
Because Grenada is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), calling the country from the U.S. or Canada is similar to making a long-distance call, but it is still billed as an international call:
- Dial the country code (1).
- Dial the area code (473).
- Dial the 7-digit local number.
The format is: 1 – 473 – XXX – XXXX
Warning: The 473 Area Code and the “One-Ring Scam”
The most important information for anyone seeing a missed call from the 473 area code is the risk of phone fraud. The 473 area code, along with several other Caribbean numbers (like 809, 268, and 876), is notorious for being used in a scheme designed to trick consumers into making an expensive international call.
What is the “One-Ring Scam”?
This scam (also known as the “Wangiri” or “missed call” scam) works by exploiting a common human curiosity:
- The Call: A scammer uses an automated system (robodialer) to call your mobile phone or landline and hangs up immediately after just one or two rings.
- The Hook: You see a missed call from an unfamiliar number that looks like a domestic U.S. or Canadian number (since it starts with a “1” prefix and a three-digit area code).
- The Trap: When you call the number back, you are connected to a premium international service that charges an exorbitant connection fee and a high per-minute rate (sometimes $19.95 for the connection and $9.00 or more per minute). The scammers often play a recording or use tactics to keep you on the line as long as possible to maximize charges.
How to Avoid Being a Victim
If you receive a missed call from the 473 area code and do not personally know anyone in Grenada, do not call it back.
Follow these actionable steps to protect your finances:
- Do Not Answer or Return the Call: The best defense is to ignore the call entirely. If the call was legitimate, the caller will leave a voicemail or find another way to reach you.
- Check Your Voicemail: If they leave a message that sounds urgent or distressed (e.g., claiming a family member is in trouble, or a bank account is suspended), still do not call the number provided. Instead, contact the supposed institution or family member through a separate, verified number.
- Verify the Number: Before returning any call from an unfamiliar three-digit area code, quickly search the number online to check for scam reports or confirm its international origin.
- Monitor Your Bill: Review your monthly phone bill closely for any unexpected international call charges. If you find fraudulent charges, contact your mobile carrier immediately to dispute them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 473 area code part of the United States?
No. The 473 area code is an international area code that belongs to the sovereign country of Grenada in the Caribbean. It is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the U.S., Canada, and many Caribbean nations, making the number look local when it appears on caller ID.
Why do scammers use the 473 area code?
Scammers prefer the 473 area code and other Caribbean area codes because they are part of the NANP, meaning they use the “1” country code. This similarity makes them appear as domestic U.S. long-distance calls, tricking consumers into calling back and triggering costly international premium-rate charges.
What time difference should I expect when calling the 473 area code?
The 473 area code operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is UTC-4 year-round. This means that if you are calling from the U.S.:
- During Eastern Standard Time (EST), Grenada is one hour ahead of New York (e.g., 10:00 AM EST is 11:00 AM AST).
- During Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Grenada is in the same time zone as New York (e.g., 10:00 AM EDT is 10:00 AM AST).
Are there any non-scam reasons to receive a call from the 473 area code?
Yes, the 473 area code is a legitimate telephone code for residents and businesses in Grenada. If you have friends, family, or business partners living or traveling in Grenada, a call from this area code may be genuine. However, if you are not expecting an international call, proceed with extreme caution due to the high probability of the “one-ring scam.”
Conclusion
The 473 area code is the official code for Grenada, a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean, operating on Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4). However, due to its inclusion in the North American Numbering Plan, it has become a prominent tool for phone scammers running the expensive “one-ring scam.” To ensure your safety and avoid hundreds of dollars in fraudulent charges, the most important takeaway is simple: do not call back or text any missed calls from the 473 area code unless you can verify the number’s legitimacy. Always let unknown callers leave a voicemail.
