If you’ve received a missed call from a number starting with a +963 prefix, you’re likely wondering, “where is area code 963 located?” The direct answer is that the 963 country code belongs to Syria, and it is not a domestic area code within the United States. An incoming call from the +963 area code is an international call originating from the Syrian telephone network.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the 963 phone code. We will cover why you are likely receiving unsolicited calls from this number, how to protect yourself from the prevalent scams associated with it, and how to make a legitimate call to Syria. We will also clear up the common and critical confusion between the Syria country code +963 and the very real 936 area code used in Texas.
What Country is Area Code 963? The Definitive Answer
The code 963 is the international country calling code for the Syrian Arab Republic. This is not a domestic 963 area code in the USA. Any phone number that begins with the +963 prefix, such as +963-xx-xxxxxxx, is an international number connected to Syria’s telecommunications system.
Many people in the U.S. search for the “963 area code location” because the three-digit format is similar to the area codes used in the North American Numbering Plan (which includes the U.S. and Canada). However, the systems are different.
- International Country Codes: These are one- to three-digit codes assigned to every country for international dialing. To call another country from the U.S., you must first dial the exit code (011), followed by the country code. The plus sign (+) you see on your mobile phone automatically replaces the exit code, which is why an international call from Syria appears as +963.
- U.S. Area Codes: These are three-digit codes like the 936 area code that designate a specific geographic region within the North American system.
So, when you ask, “what area code is 963?“, the correct answer is that it’s not an area code in the traditional U.S. sense, but rather the Syria dial code.
Security Alert: The Truth About Unexpected Calls from +963
While there are legitimate reasons to receive a call from Syria, the +963 country code has become infamous for its use in widespread international phone scams. Because of this high risk, any unexpected call from a +963 number should be treated with extreme caution. It is most likely a scam attempt.
How the “One-Ring” Wangiri Scam Works with the 963 Code
The most common fraud involving the phone code 963 is a callback scam known as “Wangiri.” The goal is to trick you into calling back a premium-rate number that drains your money.
- The Bait: Scammers use automated systems to call thousands of numbers. The phone rings just once and then disconnects, leaving a “missed call” notification from a +963 number on your screen.
- The Hook: Out of curiosity or concern, you see the missed call and decide to call the number back.
- The Trap: The moment you call back, you are connected to an international premium-rate number. These numbers charge callers exceptionally high per-minute fees, similar to old “1-900” numbers.
- The Stall: To maximize their profit, the scammers will do anything to keep you on the line. You might hear hold music, a long recording, or sounds of a call being transferred, all while the expensive charges accumulate.
- The Bill: You won’t realize you’ve been scammed until your next phone bill arrives with huge charges for an international call. The scammers get a cut of these fees.
What to Do If You Get a Call from a 963 Number
If you receive an unexpected call from the area code +963, follow these steps:
- DO NOT Answer. Let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a message.
- DO NOT Call Back. This is the most critical step. Calling back is what triggers the scam and the fraudulent charges.
- DO NOT Respond to Texts. Scammers also use SMS and WhatsApp. Never click links in messages from an unknown international code 963 number.
- DO Block the Number. Use your phone’s built-in blocking feature to prevent future calls from that specific number.
- DO Report the Scam. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track and combat these operations.
963 vs. 936: Unscrambling the Most Common Mix-Up
A primary reason for the search query “963 area code US” is its similarity to a genuine American area code. It is vital to understand the difference.
Area Code 936: A Domestic Code for Deep East Texas
The area code 936 serves a large portion of Deep East Texas. It has absolutely no connection to the Syria phone code.
- Location: Texas, USA
- Major Cities: Conroe, Huntsville, Lufkin, Nacogdoches
- Type: Domestic North American Area Code
If you are trying to find out where is area code 936, the answer is the Piney Woods region of Texas.
Country Code +63: Another Commonly Confused Number
The Syria calling code (+963) is also sometimes confused with +63, the country code for the Philippines. This is another number frequently used in international scams, which underscores an important lesson: rather than memorizing every “bad” number, learn to recognize the pattern of the scam itself.
Is 963 a Zip Code?
No. The number 963 is a telephone code. A zip code is a postal code used for sorting mail and has nothing to do with phone calls. There is no “963 zip code” in this context.
How to Properly Dial the +963 Country Code to Call Syria
If you have a legitimate reason to contact someone in Syria, you must follow the correct international dialing format.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions from the USA
- Dial the U.S. Exit Code: Start with 011.
- Dial the Syria Country Code: Add 963.
- Dial the City/Mobile Code: Add the one- or two-digit city code (e.g., 11 for Damascus) or the two-digit mobile prefix (e.g., 93 or 94).
- Dial the Local Number: Finish with the remaining subscriber number.
For example, a call to a Damascus landline would look like this: 011-963-11-xxxxxxx.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 963 Code
What country uses the 963 area code?
The 963 code is the international country code for Syria. It is not a US area code.
Is 963 an area code in the USA or the US?
No, there is no 963 area code in the United States. The similar-sounding code is area code 936, which is located in Texas.
Where is area code 963 located?
The 963 area code location is the country of Syria in Western Asia.
Why did I get a call from a +963 number?
It is almost certainly a “one-ring” scam attempt. Scammers hope you will call back so they can charge you premium rates. Do not call back.
What is the difference between country code +963 and +63?
The country code +963 is for Syria. The country code +63 is for the Philippines.
Conclusion
To summarize, the 963 area code is the international calling code for Syria and is not associated with the USA in any way. This +963 prefix is heavily exploited by criminals in “one-ring” phone scams designed to trick you into calling back and incurring expensive fees. It is crucial to distinguish the Syria code number 963 from the legitimate 936 area code Texas.
The best defense against these and other international phone scams is healthy skepticism. Never call back an unknown international number, never click on suspicious links, and always report fraudulent activity. Protect your friends and family by sharing this article to help them stay informed and secure.
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