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Where is Area Code 237 Located? The Country Code for Cameroon and Scam Warning

The search query “where is 237 area code” is commonly asked because the three-digit number suggests a US domestic area code.

The direct answer is that 237 is not a valid area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Instead, the sequence +237 is the international Country Calling Code for Cameroon, a nation located in Central Africa.

If you have received a call or message starting with +237, it originated from Cameroon. This code is often linked to sophisticated international scams, making it critical to know the proper dialing rules and safety protocols.

where is 237 area code
where is 237 area code

Location of +237: The Country Code for Cameroon

The +237 code covers the entire nation of Cameroon, which has two major metropolitan centers, Yaoundé and Douala, and is situated near the Gulf of Guinea.

Detail Information
Code Type: International Country Calling Code (Not a NANP Area Code)
Country: Cameroon
Continent: Africa (Central Africa)
Capital City: Yaoundé
Largest City: Douala (Economic Hub)
Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC/GMT +1 hour. Cameroon does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Time Zone Comparison

Cameroon Time (WAT) is significantly ahead of North American time zones:

  • 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
  • 4 hours ahead of London (GMT/UTC).

Dialing Rules for the +237 Code

Cameroon uses a uniform national numbering plan where all fixed and mobile numbers are nine digits long after the country code.

Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):

  1. Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (standard for the US/Canada) or the universal plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
  2. Dial the Cameroon Country Code: Enter 237.
  3. Dial the Full National Number: Enter the full 9 digits (Mobile numbers typically start with ‘6’, and fixed lines with ‘2’).

Example (Calling a Mobile Number from the US):

Critical Warning: Scams Associated with +237

The +237 Country Code is frequently reported in connection with international fraud, particularly on messaging apps.

Common Scams:

  • WhatsApp Job Scams: Scammers frequently call from +237 numbers (often via WhatsApp) offering bogus work-from-home jobs or investment opportunities to gain trust before demanding payment or personal data.
  • Advance Fee Fraud: Scammers use social engineering to convince victims to send a small, upfront payment to receive a large promised sum of money, a prize, or equipment.

Safety Advice:

  • Do Not Answer or Return Call: Never answer or return an unexpected call from the +237 number. If the call is important, the sender will use a verifiable method of contact.
  • Block and Report: If you receive unsolicited contact via WhatsApp from +237, immediately Block and Report the number within the app.
  • International Rates: Calling Cameroon will incur high international charges from your carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is 237 a US area code?

No. The US area code range begins at 201. Any call displaying (237) XXX-XXXX on a US phone is using an illegally spoofed or invalid number.

How many digits are in a phone number in Cameroon?

Total length is 12 digits: the +237 country code followed by the 9-digit national number.

What should I do if I receive a code from +237?

If you receive an unexpected verification code (OTP) from a +237 number, it means someone is attempting to access your account elsewhere. Do not share the code with anyone who calls you, and immediately change your password for the compromised account.

Conclusion

The 237 area code is actually the Country Calling Code for Cameroon. While it facilitates legitimate international calls, consumers worldwide should be vigilant: ignore all unsolicited contact from +237 and activate carrier-provided spam filters to safeguard your account and wallet.

 

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