Have you ever received a missed call from a strange international number starting with the country code 99? If so, your first question was likely, “99 is which country code?” The answer isn’t as simple as naming a single country. This mysterious prefix is your gateway to understanding a specific region of the world and, more importantly, a common tactic used in sophisticated phone scams. A call from a number with the +99 country code requires your attention, but not for the reasons you might think.
This comprehensive guide will unravel the mystery behind the 99 dialing code. We’ll explain exactly which countries use this code, how the international phone system works, and why receiving a call from a 99 country phone code should put you on high alert. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to protect yourself and your finances from the prevalent “one-ring” scam.
The Core Explanation: What is the 99 International Code?
One of the biggest sources of confusion is whether you’re seeing a 99 area code or a country code. An area code is used for domestic calls, while a country code is used for international calls. The prefix +99 or the international dialing code +99 is definitively an international code. However, it doesn’t belong to just one nation.
It’s Not a Single Country, It’s a Region
The 99 code is not assigned to any one country. Instead, it’s an identifier for a block of three-digit country codes that all start with “99” (e.g., +992, +993, +994). This block is part of “World Numbering Zone 9,” a designation by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that primarily covers nations in Central and Western Asia.
So, when you ask, “which country code is 99?” the answer is that it’s a series of codes for a specific geographic region. A call from a number with this prefix originates from one of several countries in that part of the world.
Which Countries Use the +99x Dialing Code?
If you received a call, you can identify the exact origin by looking at the third digit. Here is the definitive list of countries assigned a country calling code 99:
- +992: Tajikistan
- +993: Turkmenistan
- +994: Azerbaijan
- +995: Georgia
- +996: Kyrgyzstan
- +998: Uzbekistan
These nations are all located in Central Asia or the Caucasus region. Knowing this helps pinpoint the source of the 99 telephone code.
What About Other 99 Codes?
You might wonder about other numbers in this sequence, such as the country code 099 or country code 0099. These are not valid country codes; the leading zeros are typically part of a local dialing format that should be dropped for international calls. Some codes in the +99x block are also unassigned or have special designations:
- +991: Formerly used for international service trials, now unassigned.
- +997: Was reserved for Kazakhstan, but the country continues to use the +7 code.
- +990 & +999: Reserved for future use.
No legitimate calls should originate from these specific unassigned codes.
The Deep Dive: A Red Alert for Phone Scams
The primary reason many people search for the 99 code country is after receiving a suspicious, short call—or just a single ring. This is the hallmark of a widespread and deceptive scheme known as the “one-ring” or “Wangiri” scam.
What is the “Wangiri” or “One-Ring” Scam?
This scam is dangerously effective because it preys on human curiosity. Here’s how it works:
- The Bait: Scammers use autodialers to place thousands of calls to random numbers. The phone is programmed to ring only once and then disconnect, ensuring you can’t answer it.
- The Hook: You see a missed call notification on your phone from an unknown international number, perhaps one starting with the +99 calling code. You might worry it was an emergency or an important contact, so your instinct is to investigate.
- The Trap: You call the number back. This is exactly what the scammers want. The number isn’t a regular phone line; it’s an international premium-rate number, similar to a 1-900 number. You are immediately hit with a high connection fee and astronomical per-minute charges.
The longer you stay on the line—listening to hold music or a lengthy recording—the more money the scammers make. A simple 099 country code missed call can result in significant charges on your next phone bill.
Other Scams to Watch For
Beyond the one-ring scam, be aware of other fraudulent tactics:
- Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers can manipulate the caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a familiar local number, even though it originates internationally.
- Impersonation Scams: If you do answer, the scammer might pretend to be from a government agency (like the IRS), your bank, or a tech support company (like Microsoft) to trick you into sending money or revealing sensitive personal information.
Clearing Up Confusion: How International Calling Works
Understanding the structure of an international phone number is your first line of defense. When you see a number like +99 telefono, each part has a specific meaning.
The Anatomy of an International Number
- International Prefix (Exit Code): To make an international call, you first dial an exit code. In the U.S. and Canada, this is 011. In most of Europe and Asia, it’s 00. This is why you might see searches for prefix 0099 or prefix 099—it reflects how someone might try to dial from another country.
- The Plus (+) Symbol: On mobile phones, the + symbol is a universal replacement for the exit code. Saving numbers in your contacts with a + (e.g., +992…) ensures they will work no matter where you are in the world.
- The Country Code: This is the one- to three-digit code that directs your call to the right country. In this case, it would be the 99 isd code block (e.g., 992, 993).
- National Number: This is the rest of the number, including the local area code and the individual subscriber’s number. You must always drop the leading “0” (the trunk code) from a domestic number when dialing it internationally.
Practical & Actionable Advice: How to Protect Yourself
You are not powerless against these scams. Following a few simple, practical steps can build a strong defense.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Answer, Don’t Call Back
If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, especially an international one with the phone code 99, let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message. Never call the number back. A quick online search of the number itself will often reveal if it’s part of a known scam.
Use Your Smartphone’s Features
Your phone has built-in tools to help you fight back.
- For iPhone Users: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This feature automatically sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail. You can also block individual numbers from your Recents list by tapping the “i” icon and selecting “Block this Caller.”
- For Android Users: The Google Phone app has a “Filter spam calls” feature in its settings that can automatically block suspected spam. For persistent numbers, long-press the number in your call log and choose “Block/report spam.”
Contact Your Carrier
For a foolproof way to avoid scam charges, contact your mobile provider (like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile) and ask them to block all outgoing international calls on your line. If you don’t need this feature, turning it off is one of the safest things you can do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the country code 99? No single country uses 99 as its code. It is a prefix for a block of codes (+99x) assigned to countries in Central Asia, including Tajikistan (+992), Turkmenistan (+993), Azerbaijan (+994), Georgia (+995), Kyrgyzstan (+996), and Uzbekistan (+998).
What should I do if I get a missed call from a +99 number? Do not answer it and do not call it back. If it is a legitimate call, the person will leave a voicemail. Calling back an unknown international number could connect you to a premium-rate service and result in expensive charges.
Is the +99 country code dangerous? The country codes themselves are not dangerous; they are legitimate codes for real countries. However, these codes are frequently used by scammers in “one-ring” schemes because they are less familiar to people in the U.S., making them more likely to spark curiosity.
How can I find out exactly which country a +99x number is from? Look at the third digit of the code. A call from +992 is from Tajikistan, +994 is from Azerbaijan, +996 is from Kyrgyzstan, and so on. Refer to the list earlier in this article.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Stay Safe
The 99 country code mystery is now solved. It’s not one place but a gateway to several fascinating countries in Central and Western Asia. Unfortunately, that same gateway is used by scammers to exploit curiosity and defraud unsuspecting victims.
The key takeaways are simple: treat unsolicited international calls with suspicion, never call back an unknown number, and use the powerful tools on your smartphone and with your carrier to protect yourself. By staying informed, you can navigate our interconnected world safely and confidently.
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