The 923 area code is currently unassigned for general geographic use within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which governs the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. While the three digits are reserved for future assignment (like the unassigned codes 921 and 922), they do not currently serve a metropolitan area.
If you receive a call that appears to come from the (923) area code, it is most often one of two scenarios: either a scammer using Caller ID Spoofing or a highly localized three-digit prefix being used within an existing area code.
This article details the ambiguous status of the 923 code, outlines where these digits may appear, and provides critical scam warnings.
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Status and Location of the 923 Code
The designation of the 923 area code is complex because its use is highly limited and not tied to a major region.
U.S. / Canada Status
- Official Status: Unassigned/Reserved. The 923 code is reserved by the NANP and is currently not associated with a specific city or state.
- Prefix Usage: In certain established area codes, 923 is used as a local exchange code (the middle three digits of a 10-digit number). For example:
- Montana (Area Code 406): The prefix 923 is used in the Great Falls, Montana rate center. A call might appear as (406) 923-XXXX. This number operates within the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7/UTC-6 DST).
- Arizona (Area Code 928): Similarly, the 923 prefix has been historically noted in the Cibola region of Arizona (928 area code).
The International Scam Context
The number sequence +923 is widely used in international phone scams.
- Country Code 92: The country code +92 belongs to Pakistan.
- Mobile Prefix: Mobile numbers in Pakistan typically begin with a “3” after the country code (e.g., +92 3XX). Scammers often use +923 as the initial identifier to launch phone calls or messages on platforms like WhatsApp, targeting users outside of Pakistan.
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Scam Risk and Actionable Steps
If you receive an unexpected call or text message from a (923) number or a number beginning with +923 on a messaging app, you should proceed with extreme caution.
The Scam Warning: Spoofing and Fraud
Scammers utilize unassigned and international codes to evade detection:
- International Fraud (+923): Calls and messages coming from +92 (Pakistan) are frequently associated with phishing, “Bade Bhai” scams, and identity theft attempts. The caller may pretend to be a company representative, bank official, or someone offering a prize to trick you into revealing personal or financial information.
- Domestic Spoofing (923): If the call displays as a 10-digit U.S. number, the caller is likely spoofing a number using the unassigned 923 area code to increase the chances of you answering, as you might assume it’s a new line or a local business.
Essential Protection Steps
- Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers: If you do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Answering confirms your line is active for future scam targeting.
- Verify All Claims: Never provide or confirm personal details, passwords, or financial information to an unsolicited caller. Hang up and verify the caller’s identity through an official website or trusted contact.
- Block the Number: Use your carrier’s spam-blocking service (e.g., T-Mobile Scam Shield) or your smartphone’s built-in block function to prevent repeated calls.
- Report Suspicion: Report suspicious calls and texts to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 923 area code part of the U.S. or Canada?
No. The 923 area code is unassigned in the U.S. and Canada. Any geographic reference for 923 will be related to its use as a prefix within a specific local area code (like 406 in Montana) or its role as a key part of the +92 international dialing code for Pakistan.
What is the time zone for a 923 number?
Since 923 is not a primary area code, it has no definitive time zone. Calls from a legitimate (406) 923-XXXX number would follow the Mountain Time Zone. Calls from international mobile numbers (+92) follow Pakistan Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+5.
Will 923 become an area code soon?
The 923 area code is currently reserved. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) will assign it only when an existing area code in a specific region of the U.S. or Canada faces exhaustion. There is no immediate date set for its implementation.
