If you’ve received a missed call from a number starting with the +99 country code, you’re likely asking, “99 which country code is that?” The direct and most important answer is this: the country code 99 is not assigned to any country or territory in the world. Any call you receive from a number beginning with the +99 code is not a legitimate international call but is almost certainly an attempt at a phone scam.
The appearance of a +99 country prefix on your caller ID is a major red flag. Scammers use this unassigned 99 dialing code to trick you into calling back, which can lead to significant financial charges or attempts to steal your personal information.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the 99 international code. We’ll cover why this 99 telephone code doesn’t exist, detail the dangerous scams that use it, clear up common confusion with similar-looking country codes, and provide you with actionable steps to protect yourself.
The Core Explanation: Why the “+99 Country Code” Is a Phantom
To understand why the international code 99 is a warning sign, it’s helpful to know how global phone numbers are organized. The system is managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which assigns specific codes to every country.
What is the 99 Country Code? The Official Answer
The ITU has divided the world into nine zones, and the +9 zone is designated for countries in Western and Central Asia and the Middle East. Within this zone, you’ll find legitimate codes like +91 for India or +98 for Iran. However, the specific two-digit country code +99 has been intentionally left unassigned. This means no legitimate call can ever originate from a 99 code country, because one simply does not exist.
Any call you see from a +99code number is manipulating the telephone network. Scammers use this unassigned 99 isd code precisely because it has no national authority to police it, making it harder for law enforcement to trace and shut down their operations. So, when you search for “which country code is +99,” the answer is a crucial one: none.
Legitimate Country Codes That Start With 99
A common source of confusion is the existence of several valid three-digit country codes that begin with +99x. Scammers hope you’ll mistake a fraudulent call for a legitimate one from this region. It’s vital to distinguish the fake 99 country phone code from these real ones.
Here are the officially assigned country codes in the +99x range:
- +992: Tajikistan
- +993: Turkmenistan
- +994: Azerbaijan
- +995: Georgia
- +996: Kyrgyzstan
- +998: Uzbekistan
Remember, a call from +998 could be a legitimate call from Uzbekistan. A call from the country phone code 99 is always a scam.
The Deep Dive: A Warning About the “+99 Code” Phone Scam
Receiving a call from a number with a prefix 0099 or +99 isn’t a random mistake; it’s the first step in a calculated fraud.
Why You Received a Call from a +99 Number: The “One-Ring” Scam
The most common scheme using the +99 which country code is the “one-ring” scam (also known as “Wangiri”). This fraud is designed to exploit your curiosity.
- The Bait: Scammers use automated systems to call millions of numbers.
- The Hook: The call rings just once and then disconnects, leaving a “missed call” notification. This is done intentionally to make you curious about who called.
- The Trap: The number displayed is an international premium-rate number disguised with the fake 99 area code. When you call back, you are connected to a line that charges extremely high rates—often several dollars per minute.
- The Payout: The scammer gets a share of the revenue from the premium-rate call. They use hold music or pre-recorded messages to keep you on the line as long as possible, maximizing their profit.
This is why you should never call back a number with the country code of 99.
Clearing Up Confusion: Debunking Myths About Suspicious Calls
Misinformation can lead to costly mistakes. Let’s clear up some common myths about the 099 country code.
- Myth 1: “+99 must be a real country.”
- Fact: This is incorrect. The country code with 99 is unassigned by the ITU. Any call from this number is illegitimate.
- Myth 2: “It’s harmless to answer the call.”
- Fact: Answering confirms your number is active. This makes your number more valuable to scammers, who will sell it to other criminals, leading to more spam and phishing attempts.
- Myth 3: “My phone will be hacked if I answer.”
- Fact: This is highly unlikely. Modern smartphones cannot be hacked simply by answering a voice call. The real danger is financial (calling back a premium number) or informational (being tricked into giving away personal data).
Practical & Actionable Advice: Your Security Checklist
Knowing about the scam is the first step. Taking action is how you stay protected.
How to Protect Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Do Not Answer, Do Not Call Back. This is the most effective defense. If you see a call from the +99 isd code or any unrecognized international number, ignore it.
- Step 2: Block the Number. Immediately block the suspicious number on your phone.
- Step 3: Report the Scam. Report the number to your phone provider and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Step 4: Block International Calls. If you never make international calls, contact your mobile provider and ask them to block all outgoing international calls from your account. This is a powerful preventative measure.
What to Do If You Already Called Back
If you’ve already called back a number with the 099 phone code, act quickly.
- Action 1: Check Your Phone Bill. Log into your mobile account online and check for any unusual charges.
- Action 2: Dispute the Charges. Call your provider immediately. Explain that you were a victim of a “one-ring” scam and ask them to reverse the fraudulent charges.
- Action 3: Secure Your Accounts. As a precaution, change passwords for your important online accounts (email, banking) and monitor your financial statements for any suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: Which country code is 99?
- A: No country has the 99 country code. It is an unassigned code, and any call from this number is part of a scam.
- Q2: Is a call from a +99 number dangerous?
- A: The danger isn’t from the call itself but from your response. Calling the number back can lead to high phone bill charges, and answering could expose you to a scammer trying to steal your information.
- Q3: What should I do if I get a call from a number with the 99 phone code?
- A: Do not answer it. Do not call it back. Block the number immediately and report it to your carrier and the FTC.
- Q4: +99 is which country code?
- A: To be clear, the +99 is which country code question has one answer: it does not belong to any country. It is a phantom code used by scammers.
Conclusion
The mystery of the + 99 country code has a simple but critical solution: it’s a fake code used for fraud. The 99 code of which country is a trick question, as no country uses it. The “one-ring” scam that uses this and other obscure international numbers relies entirely on provoking your curiosity.
The most powerful defense you have is caution. By following the golden rule—never answer or call back an unrecognized international number—you can completely avoid this trap. For total peace of mind, ask your mobile provider to block outgoing international calls. By staying vigilant, you can protect your finances and personal information from those who exploit the global phone network.
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