If you have received a call or message starting with +88, it’s important to know that +88 itself is not an assigned country code for a specific nation. Instead, it is part of a special range of three-digit codes allocated for various international telecommunications services.
The most common and definitive code in this range is +880, which is the international country code for Bangladesh. Additionally, codes like +882 and +883 are reserved for Global Networks and satellite services, making the entire +88 range a potential source of high-risk, international calls.
This guide details the function of the +88 codes, explains the most likely origin of your call, and provides crucial advice for dealing with potential phone scams.
Decoding the +88 Prefix Range
The international dialing codes that begin with “88” are primarily divided into two categories by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU): codes for specific countries and codes for global, non-geographic networks.
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The Country Code: +880 (Bangladesh)
The vast majority of calls seen by consumers that start with “88” are from the South Asian country of Bangladesh.
| Code | Location | Time Zone | Dialing Format |
| +880 | Bangladesh | Bangladesh Standard Time (BST) – UTC+6 | [Exit Code] + 880 + [Area/Mobile Code] + [Subscriber Number] |
Bangladeshi phone numbers are typically 10 digits long (including the area or mobile operator code) after the +880 prefix.
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International Networks: +882 and +883
If a call begins with +882 or +883, it is not coming from a single country but from a network designed for global communication services:
- +882 (International Networks): This code is shared by numerous international carriers, data networks (like Verizon and Cable & Wireless), and specialized services, allowing a customer to be reachable anywhere in the world on that number, regardless of their location.
- +883 (iNum and Other Services): This code was initially used for the iNum Initiative (an effort to assign worldwide, non-geographic personal numbers) and is also used by various telecommunication services and data providers (like Twilio, SAP, and BICS).
Scam and Safety Alert: Why the +88 Range is High-Risk
The +88 range, particularly numbers starting with +880 (Bangladesh) and the +882/+883 International Networks, is considered high-risk for consumers outside the region.
- Wangiri Scams (+880)
Calls from Bangladesh (+880) are frequently used in Wangiri scams (a “one-ring-and-hang-up” tactic) that attempt to trick users into calling back.
- The Trap: If you call back an unfamiliar number from this international prefix, you may be connected to a premium-rate number, resulting in substantial, per-minute international fees on your phone bill.
- Global Phishing (All +88)
Since +882 and +883 are used by global telecommunication carriers and VoIP service providers, scammers often use numbers acquired through these services to launch large-scale phishing campaigns and automated robocalls. These calls often impersonate:
- Major banks or credit card companies.
- Technology support (e.g., “Your computer has a virus”).
- Government agencies demanding immediate payment.
Crucial Advice: Never answer or return a call from a number you do not recognize in the +88 range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the full country code for Bangladesh?
The full international country code for Bangladesh is +880. A complete mobile number would look like: +880 1X XXXX XXXX.
If I receive a text from +88, is it a scam?
Treat it as highly suspicious. Legitimate organizations will generally not text you from an international code unless you are expecting specific two-factor authentication or communication. Do not click any links in a text message from an unfamiliar +88 number, as they are almost certainly phishing attempts.
How do I block calls from the +88 country code?
You have two primary options:
- Carrier Blocking: Contact your mobile service provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) and ask them to place a block on all outbound and inbound international calls from your line. This is the most effective defense.
- App Blocking: Use a reputable call-blocking app (like Hiya, Truecaller, or your carrier’s native app) to flag or silence calls that have been reported by other users as originating from the +88 range.
Conclusion
The +88 country code is a gateway to several unique international networks, most notably Bangladesh (+880) and specialized Global Networks (+882/+883). While the codes are legitimate, their frequent use in phone fraud necessitates a high degree of caution. Your safest course of action is to never return a call or click a link from an unknown number in the +88 range.
