The number 237 is not a North American area code; it is the international country calling code for the Republic of Cameroon, located in Central Africa. A common point of confusion is mistaking international codes for domestic ones, which can lead to expensive callback charges and potential scams.
This article will explain exactly where Cameroon is located, how to properly dial a number with the 237 code, and provide an essential warning about a prevalent phone scam frequently associated with this prefix.
Where is Country Code 237 Located?
The +237 country code is assigned exclusively to Cameroon, a country on the Gulf of Guinea in Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, and other nations.
- Capital City: Yaoundé
- Largest City: Douala
Any call or text message you receive from a number beginning with +237 originates from a phone registered in Cameroon.
How to Call a Number in Cameroon (Using the 237 Code)
If you need to make a legitimate call to Cameroon from the United States or Canada, you must use the international dialing format.
Follow these steps:
- Dial the U.S. Exit Code: Dial 011. This signals that you are making an international call.
- Dial the Cameroon Country Code: Dial 237.
- Dial the Local Phone Number: Dial the 9-digit Cameroonian phone number.
The full dialing sequence will look like this: 011 + 237 + [9-Digit Phone Number]
CRITICAL WARNING: The “One-Ring” Scam and the 237 Code
The +237 country code is frequently and notoriously used in the “one-ring” or “Wangiri” phone scam. This is a widespread fraudulent tactic designed to trick you into calling an expensive international premium-rate number.
Here’s how it works:
- A scammer calls your phone from a +237 number and hangs up after only one or two rings, leaving a missed call notification.
- Your curiosity is piqued, and you call the number back to see who it was.
- The number you call back is a premium-rate number, similar to a 1-900 number in the U.S. You are then charged exorbitant fees for every minute you are connected, while the scammer collects a share of the profit.
To protect yourself, follow this simple rule: If you receive a missed call from a +237 number (or any other international code you don’t recognize), do not call it back. If the call is legitimate, the person will leave a voicemail or find another way to contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 237 an area code in the USA?
No. The number 237 is not used as an area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is exclusively the country code for Cameroon.
What is the time zone in Cameroon?
Cameroon operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1). The country does not observe daylight saving time.
Are calls to the 237 country code expensive?
Yes, calling any international number from the U.S. is typically more expensive than a domestic call. Calling a +237 number will incur international long-distance rates. Calling back a “one-ring” scam number can be exceptionally expensive.
What do phone numbers in Cameroon look like?
Phone numbers in Cameroon consist of 9 digits that are dialed after the +237 country code. Mobile numbers in the country often begin with the digit 6.
Conclusion
In summary, the number 237 is the international country code for Cameroon in Central Africa. When dialing this number, you must use the proper international format. Most importantly, be extremely cautious of unexpected or missed calls from numbers with a +237 prefix, as they are very often associated with the “one-ring” scam designed to trick you into making a costly international call. When in doubt, don’t call back.
