Have you ever received a strange WhatsApp message or a missed call from a number starting with the +62 country code and wondered, “Where is +62?” or “Is this a scam?” You’re not alone. The +62 code belongs to Indonesia, and while it’s the legitimate country phone code for a nation of over 280 million people, it has also become a focal point for a massive wave of international scams.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the telephone country code 62. We’ll break down the structure of an Indonesian phone number, explain why you’re receiving so many unsolicited messages, and provide a clear, actionable plan to protect yourself from the common 62 country code whatsapp scam.
What Country Is +62? The Core Explanation
The international country code +62 is the unique identifier for Indonesia. Whenever you see a phone number beginning with +62, it signifies that the number is registered within the Indonesian telecommunications system. Answering “62 is which country code?” is simple: it’s Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most-populous country and the largest archipelagic state. This massive population means the +62 prefix is one of the most common in global communications.
To fully understand a 62 country code phone number, it’s important to know how they are structured. Indonesia uses different formats for its landline and mobile numbers, which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the system.
Understanding Indonesian Phone Numbers
Landline Numbers:
An Indonesian landline number typically includes a geographic area code. For example, the area code for the capital city, Jakarta, is 21. When dialed domestically, the number would look like 021-xxxx-xxxx. However, when dialing from outside Indonesia, you must drop the leading 0. The correct international format is +62 21-xxxx-xxxx. Knowing what area code is 62 is the first step, but understanding these local variations is key.
Mobile Numbers:
Mobile numbers are far more common and are the ones almost always used in scams. A key indicator of an Indonesian mobile number is that it starts with the digit 8 after the country code. Domestically, a mobile number is written like 0812-xxxx-xxxx. For international calling or saving a contact for an indonesia mobile number whatsapp, you must again drop the leading 0. The correct format is +62 812-xxxx-xxxx. So, if you receive a 62 country code whatsapp message, it will almost certainly come from a number starting with +62 8.
The Deep Dive: Why Are There So Many Country Code 62 Scams?
In recent years, there has been an explosion of fraudulent calls and messages from numbers with the +62 prefix. The primary reason is that scammers, who are part of large international criminal syndicates, are not actually in Indonesia. They use cheap, disposable virtual phone numbers to hide their true location.
These scammers use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to buy +62 numbers online. This allows a person anywhere in the world to make it appear as though they are contacting you from Indonesia. They choose codes from populous countries like Indonesia because a call from a well-known country seems more plausible than one from a small, obscure nation. This is the heart of the +62 country code whatsapp scam.
Common Scams Using the +62 Code
Be vigilant for these common tactics associated with a 62 whatsapp message or call:
- The “Money for Likes” Job Scam
This is the most widespread scam. You’ll receive an unsolicited message on WhatsApp offering an easy work-from-home job. The “job” is usually to like YouTube videos or social media posts for a small payment per task. To build your trust, the scammers will actually send you a small amount of money for the first few “tasks.” Once they have you hooked, they will offer higher-paying “premium” tasks that require you to pay an upfront deposit. After you pay, they disappear with your money.
- The “Wangiri” or Missed Call Scam
Have you received a 62 country code missed call that only rang once? This is a tactic called “Wangiri,” which is Japanese for “one ring and cut.” Scammers place the call and hang up immediately, hoping your curiosity will lead you to call back. In some cases, calling back connects you to a premium-rate number that drains your phone credit. For WhatsApp, a callback simply confirms to the scammer that your number is active, marking you as a potential target for more sophisticated scams.
- Impersonation and Phishing Scams
Scammers may pretend to be a friend or family member who has a new number, often claiming an emergency and asking for money. Alternatively, they might pose as a representative from a company like Amazon or your bank. Their goal is to trick you into sending money directly or clicking a malicious link to steal your personal information, like passwords or credit card details. A dangerous variation involves asking for your 6-digit WhatsApp verification code to hijack your account.
Your Action Plan: How to Stop Unsolicited +62 Communication
While these scams are a serious threat, you have the power to protect yourself. Follow these concrete steps to secure your accounts and stop the harassment.
- The Golden Rule: Do Not Engage. Never answer calls or reply to messages from an unknown international number. Scammers depend on your engagement to launch their attack. If you don’t recognize the number, don’t respond.
- Block and Report Immediately. Every time you receive a suspicious +62 message, use WhatsApp’s built-in “Block” and “Report” functions. Blocking prevents further contact, and reporting helps WhatsApp’s security systems identify and ban these fraudulent accounts.
- Activate “Silence Unknown Callers“. This is one of the most powerful features for stopping scam calls. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Calls and turn on Silence unknown callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts will no longer ring, but they will appear silently in your call list for you to review later.
- Enable Two-Step Verification. This is your best defense against account hijacking. Set up a six-digit PIN in your WhatsApp settings. Even if a scammer steals your SMS verification code, they won’t be able to access your account without this PIN.
- Never Share Codes. Your WhatsApp verification code, bank PINs, or passwords are for your eyes only. No legitimate company or person will ever ask you for them in a message.
Clearing Up Confusion: Not Every +62 Number Is a Scam
It’s crucial to remember that while unsolicited contact from a plus 62 country code is highly suspicious, not all communication from Indonesia is fraudulent. The country code +62 is the legitimate gateway to a vibrant country. You might need to contact a +62 number for legitimate reasons, such as booking a hotel in Bali, doing business with an Indonesian company, or talking to friends who live there.
The problem isn’t the country or its people; it’s the technology that allows criminals worldwide to abuse the international phone code 62. The key is to distinguish between expected contact you initiate and unexpected, unsolicited messages that promise you something too good to be true.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: 62 is the code of which country?
The country code 62 (or +62) is assigned to Indonesia. Any search for “which country code is +62” will point to the Republic of Indonesia.
Q2: Are all calls from the country 62 scams?
No. However, a very high percentage of unsolicited and unexpected calls and WhatsApp messages from unknown +62 numbers are part of global scam operations. If you are not expecting a call from Indonesia, treat it with extreme caution.
Q3: How do I format a 62 country code whatsapp number?
To save an Indonesian mobile number for WhatsApp, you must use the full international format. Start with +62, followed by the mobile number with the initial 0 removed. For example, a domestic number like 0812-3456-7890 must be saved as +6281234567890.
Q4: Why am I getting random WhatsApp calls from numbers with the +62 prefix?
You are being targeted by scam syndicates who are likely not based in Indonesia. They use cheap virtual +62 numbers to hide their identity and appear more credible. Your number was likely obtained from a data breach or was randomly generated.
Q5: What should I do if I get a 62 country code missed call?
Do not call back. This is likely a “Wangiri” scam. Calling the number back confirms your number is active and could expose you to more targeted scam attempts. The best action is to block and report the number immediately.
Conclusion
Understanding the +62 country code is a tale of two parts. On one hand, it is the legitimate international country code 62 for Indonesia, a massive and globally connected nation. On the other, it has been co-opted by international criminals as a tool for deception.
By knowing that +62 is Indonesia and by recognizing the common tactics used in the “money for likes” job offer, the missed call bait, and phishing attempts, you can easily identify a scam. The most powerful defense is simple: do not engage with unknown international numbers. Use the privacy and security tools available on WhatsApp, and never share your personal codes.
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