00989 Area Code – Everything You Need to Know

Have you received a strange call from the 00989 area code and wondered where it came from? You’re not alone. Many people report missed calls or spam messages from numbers beginning with 00989. These calls often spark confusion, because the code doesn’t fit the standard format of U.S. or Canadian area codes. This article breaks down what 00989 really means, why it shows up on your phone, the risks tied to it, and how to protect yourself from scams linked to these calls.

What Is the 00989 Area Code?

At first glance, 00989 looks like a normal phone area code. But appearances can be deceiving. Unlike traditional North American area codes, which follow the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) with three digits (such as 212 for New York or 305 for Miami), numbers beginning with 00 are international prefixes.

This means that the 00989 area code isn’t a legitimate U.S. or Canadian code. Instead, it’s usually connected to international dialing systems or spoofed numbers that scammers use to trick people into calling back.

Where Does the 00989 Area Code Come From?

International Dialing Prefix Explained

Many countries outside the U.S. use 00 as a prefix when making international calls. For example:

In Europe, dialing abroad often starts with 00.
Adding digits after 00 points the call to a specific country or region.

When you see 00989, the “00” indicates it’s international. The “989” following it doesn’t match any official NANP code, which creates confusion and suspicion.

The Truth About 00989

Simply put, 00989 isn’t assigned to any official region or country. Most of the time, it appears because of caller ID spoofing—scammers disguising their real number with a fake one. That’s why people across different countries receive calls from this so-called area code.

Is the 00989 Area Code Real?

Legitimate vs. Fake Area Codes

To understand why 00989 is fake, here are some quick facts:

Real U.S. area codes only use three digits without a leading zero.
The NANP covers the U.S., Canada, and several Caribbean nations.
Codes like 00989 fall outside of this system.

Common Myths About 00989

A lot of confusion comes from mistaken beliefs:

Myth: 00989 is connected to Puerto Rico.
Fact: Puerto Rico uses 787 and 939 as its official area codes.
Myth: 00989 is a hidden or rare U.S. area code.
Fact: It doesn’t exist in the NANP system at all.

00989 Area Code Scams

Scammers love to exploit unfamiliar numbers to catch people off guard. The 00989 area code often appears in different fraud schemes.

Common Types of Scams

Wangiri scam (one-ring scam): The phone rings once, tempting you to call back. Doing so connects you to a premium-rate international number that racks up huge charges.
Phishing calls: Scammers impersonate banks, tech support, or even government agencies.
Robocalls: Automated spam messages offering fake prizes, insurance, or loans.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Calls at unusual hours, often in the middle of the night.
A pushy caller demanding immediate action or payment.
Messages claiming you’ve won a prize or owe money to authorities.

How Much Does It Cost to Call Back 00989?

Returning a missed call from the 00989 code can be costly. International premium numbers can charge several dollars per minute, sometimes without you realizing it until the bill arrives.

International Call Charges

Typical international rates range from $1 to $5 per minute.
Hidden fees may apply if you call back through your carrier.

Real-Life Example

One case reported by a telecom watchdog showed a customer charged $20 for a two-minute call after calling back a 00989 number. Providers frequently warn users about these risks and advise against returning calls to unknown international codes.

How to Handle Calls From the 00989 Area Code

Should You Answer Calls From 00989?

The safest move is to ignore or decline calls from numbers starting with 00989. If it’s important, the caller will leave a voicemail or contact you through another channel.

How to Block 00989 Calls

iPhone: Go to recent calls > tap “i” > Block this caller.
Android: Select the number > Details > Block/report spam.
Carrier services: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer spam-blocking features.
Apps: Tools like Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller can identify and block suspicious numbers.

Reporting Scam Calls

If you receive repeated calls from 00989:

Submit a grievance to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Contact your mobile carrier’s fraud department.

How to Protect Yourself From Area Code Scams

Tips for Avoiding Phone Scams

Never return missed calls from numbers starting with 00 unless you know the caller.
Don’t provide personal or banking details over the phone.
Install call-filtering apps and keep your phone updated.

What To Do If You Fell for a 00989 Scam

Contact your carrier right away to dispute charges.
Review your phone bill for suspicious charges.
If you shared sensitive details, consider placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 00989 Area Code

Is 00989 a real area code?
No. It isn’t assigned under the North American Numbering Plan.

Where is the 00989 area code located?
It has no official location. Calls are often linked to spoofed international numbers.

Why am I getting calls from 00989?
Scammers and robocallers use it to trick people into answering or calling back.

Is it safe to answer a call from 00989?
No. Ignore unknown numbers starting with 00989 to avoid scams or charges.

How do I stop getting scam calls from 00989?
Use built-in blocking features, install third-party apps, and report persistent calls.

Table of Area Codes for Comparison

Code	Location	Type	Risk Level
00989	Unknown/Scam	Fake code	High
787	Puerto Rico	Real code	Low
939	Puerto Rico	Real code	Low
305	Miami, USA	Real code	Low

Conclusion

The 00989 area code is not legitimate. It doesn’t belong to any U.S. state or territory. Instead, it’s often used in scams such as one-ring fraud, phishing calls, and robocalls. Returning these calls can cost you money and put your information at risk.

The best way to protect yourself is simple: don’t answer, don’t call back, and block the number. Use caller ID apps, report suspicious activity, and stay informed about the latest phone scams. Awareness is your strongest defense against fraudsters hiding behind fake codes like 00989.