Asked to dial a code? Check what it does first
If someone calling from “your carrier”, “the courier” or “WhatsApp support” asks you to dial a code with stars and hashes, type it here first. Many of those codes forward your calls to the caller, who then receives your voice verification codes.
Which countries it covers
Recognises the standard mobile network codes (3GPP TS 22.030) that work with almost every carrier in the world: forwarding, barring, call waiting, showing or hiding your number and the IMEI. Also some carrier-specific codes where an official source documents them: *401* in India (Department of Telecommunications advisory) and Verizon’s *72 and *73 in the United States. Other carrier codes are shown as a carrier service.
Checked in your browser: the code is never sent or stored.
Frequently asked questions
What is the call forwarding scam?
Someone pretending to be your carrier, a courier or tech support asks you to dial a code such as **21*number#. That code forwards your calls to the scammer: when WhatsApp or your bank calls you with a verification code, the call goes to them.
How do I know if call forwarding is on?
Dial *#21# and press call: your phone tells you whether calls are forwarded and to which number. To cancel all forwarding, dial ##002#.
Can my carrier ask me to dial a code?
Your carrier publishes its codes on its website or app, but it won’t call you to ask you to forward your calls to another number. If in doubt, hang up and call its customer service number yourself.