The 963 Code: Not a US Area Code, It’s the Country Code for Syria. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Have you received a missed call from a number starting with +963? Are you wondering where is area code 963 located? You’re not alone. Many people search for the 963 area code location, often wondering if it’s a new 963 area code in the USA.

Let’s clear this up immediately: The number 963 is not a US area code. It is the international country code for the Syrian Arab Republic, a nation in Western Asia.

This article will break down everything you need to know about the +963 country code, from its geographical location to the critical security risks associated with unsolicited calls from this prefix.

What is the 963 Code? The Definitive Answer

In the world of telecommunications, every country has a unique identifier for international calls. The 963 phone code is the specific number assigned to Syria.

• Country Code vs. Area Code: It’s essential to understand the difference. A country code (like +963) routes calls to a specific country from anywhere in the world. An area code (like 212 for New York City) routes calls to a specific region within a country. The 963 area code is a misnomer; the correct term is country code 963.
• International Dialing (+963, 00963): When you see a number like +963 11 2345678, the + symbol represents the international access code. When dialing from the United States, you would replace the + with 011. From most of Europe, you would use 00. So, +963, 011963, and 00963 country code all serve the same purpose: to connect a call to Syria.

Where is the 963 Country Code Located?

The country code 963 location is the Syrian Arab Republic, commonly known as Syria.

• Geography: Syria is located in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares borders with Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. Its capital city is Damascus.
• Syrian Area Codes: Within Syria, different cities and regions have their own local area codes. For example, the area code of Syria’s capital, Damascus, is 11. So, a landline number in Damascus would look like +963 11 xxxxxxx.

Is 963 a US Area Code? Clearing Up the Confusion

To be perfectly clear, 963 is not a US area code. The North American Numbering Plan, which covers the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean, does not have a 963 area code.

However, the digits 963 can appear as a prefix or exchange code within a US number. For example, a number like (850) 963-xxxx is a valid domestic US number in the Florida Panhandle. The key difference is the format. An international call will start with +963 or 011963, while a domestic call will be in the familiar (XXX) XXX-XXXX format.

WARNING: The ‘963 Area Code’ Scam (Wangiri Fraud)

If you have received an unexpected call from a +963 number, you should be extremely cautious. This is a common indicator of a well-known scam called “Wangiri” or the “one-ring scam.”

How the Scam Works:

1. The Bait: Scammers use auto-dialers to call millions of numbers. They let the phone ring just once and then hang up, leaving a “missed call” notification on your phone.
2. The Hook: Out of curiosity, you call the number back.
3. The Trap: The number you are calling is a premium-rate international number, similar to a 1-900 number. You are immediately hit with exorbitant per-minute charges. The scammers will play music or fake recordings to keep you on the line for as long as possible, racking up fees on your phone bill.

The geopolitical instability in Syria has, unfortunately, created an environment where such scams can operate with a lower risk of being shut down, making the Syria country code a frequent source of these fraudulent calls.

What to Do If You Get a Call from a +963 Number

1. DO NOT Call Back: This is the most important rule. If you don’t recognize the number, do not return the call. A legitimate caller will leave a voicemail or contact you another way.
2. DO NOT Answer: It’s best not to answer calls from unknown international numbers.
3. Block the Number: Use your phone’s blocking feature to prevent the number from calling you again.
4. Report the Call: You can report the scam number to the FCC or FTC to help them track fraudulent activity.

Quick Summary: 963 Code Facts

By understanding that the 963 phone code belongs to Syria and being aware of the associated risks, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of international phone scams.