Have you received a suspicious WhatsApp message or a missed call from a number starting with the +62 country code and immediately wondered, “Which country is +62?” and more importantly, “Is this a scam?” Your caution is justified. Here’s the critical information you need right away:
+62 is the official international country code for Indonesia. However, this code is now MASSIVELY used by international scammers, particularly for WhatsApp scams targeting users worldwide. If you received unsolicited contact from an unknown +62 number, there is a very high probability it is fraudulent.
This guide explains exactly why you’re being targeted, details the most common “country code 62 scams” happening right now on WhatsApp, and gives you clear, step-by-step instructions on how to block these numbers and protect yourself.
[Optional Image Suggestion: WhatsApp notification icon with a red warning sign over the +62 prefix]
Why Are Scammers Using the +62 (Indonesia) Code on WhatsApp?
The scammers sending these “62 country code whatsapp messages” are rarely located in Indonesia. They are part of global criminal operations using cheap, disposable virtual phone numbers obtained online via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This technology allows them to:
- Hide Their True Location: They can be anywhere in the world but make it appear they are calling/texting from Indonesia.
- Appear More Credible:** Using a code from a large, well-known country like Indonesia seems less suspicious initially than using a code from a tiny, unknown nation.
- Target Millions Easily:** Virtual numbers are easy to obtain in bulk, allowing them to run large-scale scam campaigns.
This abuse of technology is why searches for “country code 62 scams text message” and “62 country code whatsapp scam” have exploded.
Most Common +62 WhatsApp Scams (Beware!)
Be extremely vigilant for these specific fraud tactics coming from +62 numbers:
1. The “Money for Likes/Tasks” Job Scam:
This is currently the most prevalent scam. You receive an unsolicited WhatsApp message offering a simple, high-paying remote job (e.g., “Like YouTube videos for $5 each”). To gain your trust, they might actually send you a small payment initially. Then, they offer “premium tasks” requiring you to pay an upfront “deposit” or “investment,” promising higher returns. Once you pay, they vanish with your money.
2. The “Wangiri” (One Ring & Cut) Missed Call Scam:
You get a very brief missed call on WhatsApp (or sometimes a regular call) from a +62 number. They hang up immediately, hoping curiosity (“62 country code missed call?”) makes you call back or message them. Calling back often does nothing but confirm your number is active, marking you for more targeted scams later. Messaging them initiates contact with the scammer.
3. Impersonation & Phishing Scams:
Scammers might pretend to be someone you know (friend/family) with a “new number,” often claiming an emergency and asking for money. Or, they might impersonate a known company (Amazon, your bank, even WhatsApp itself) trying to trick you into clicking malicious links to steal passwords, financial details, or asking for your 6-digit WhatsApp verification code to hijack your account.
Your Action Plan: How to Stop +62 Scam Messages & Calls NOW
You have the power to stop this harassment. Take these steps immediately:
- Golden Rule: DO NOT ENGAGE! Never reply to messages or answer calls from unknown +62 numbers (or any unknown international number). Any interaction confirms your number is active.
- Block and Report Immediately:** On WhatsApp, tap the unknown +62 number at the top of the chat, scroll down, and tap **”Block [Number]”** then **”Report [Number]”**. Reporting helps WhatsApp take down these scam accounts.
- Activate “Silence Unknown Callers” (Highly Recommended):** This is WhatsApp’s best defense. Go to WhatsApp **Settings > Privacy > Calls >** Toggle ON **”Silence unknown callers”**. Calls from non-contacts won’t ring but will appear silently in your Calls list.
- Enable WhatsApp Two-Step Verification:** Go to WhatsApp **Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification > Enable**. Set a 6-digit PIN. This prevents account hijacking even if scammers get your SMS code.
- NEVER Share Codes:** Never give out your WhatsApp verification code, bank OTPs, passwords, or any personal codes via 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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