+62 838 is an Indonesian mobile number on the Axis network. If this prefix has appeared in your WhatsApp messages, you're looking at someone using Indonesia's budget-friendly carrier — but whether they're legitimate depends on context, not the number itself.
This guide explains what +62 838 means, why these numbers frequently appear in WhatsApp scams, and how to protect yourself from fraud while staying open to genuine contacts.
Breaking Down +62 838
The number structure:
+62 — Indonesia's country code (assigned by the International Telecommunication Union)
838 — Axis carrier prefix
Remaining digits — Individual subscriber number
Axis operates as a budget brand under XL Axiata, Indonesia's third-largest telecommunications provider. The 838 prefix is one of four assigned to Axis (alongside 831, 832, and 833).
Several factors explain the prevalence of 838 numbers in WhatsApp communications — both legitimate and fraudulent:
Indonesia's WhatsApp Dominance
Indonesia ranks among the world's largest WhatsApp markets. With over 280 million people and widespread smartphone adoption, WhatsApp functions as the primary messaging platform for personal, business, and even government communications.
Axis's Market Position
As a budget carrier, Axis attracts:
Price-sensitive consumers seeking affordable data plans
Younger users drawn to promotional pricing
Anyone wanting a secondary SIM for specific purposes
This accessibility means millions of legitimate users — but also easy entry for fraudulent operations.
Virtual Number Availability
Services worldwide sell Indonesian virtual numbers, including +62 838 prefixes. Scammers purchase these numbers regardless of their physical location, displaying Indonesian caller IDs while operating from anywhere globally.
Common +62 838 WhatsApp Scams
The "Wrong Number" Opener
"Hi! Is this Sarah? Oh sorry, wrong number... but since we're chatting, what do you do for work?"
This seemingly innocent mistake initiates conversation. The scammer builds rapport over days or weeks before pivoting to investment opportunities, romantic interest, or requests for financial help.
Task/Job Scams
"We're hiring remote workers! Earn $200-500 daily completing simple tasks like rating products and liking videos."
These operations pay small amounts initially ($5-20) to establish trust. Then come requests for "deposits" to unlock premium tasks or "investments" to increase earnings. The deposits disappear; the scammer vanishes.
Investment Groups
"I've been making amazing returns with this trading platform. My mentor is adding a few people to the private group this week — interested?"
Victims join Telegram or WhatsApp groups filled with fake testimonials and fabricated profit screenshots. The "platform" accepts deposits but never allows withdrawals.
Crypto Romance
A combination approach: the scammer builds emotional connection while gradually introducing cryptocurrency investment opportunities. Victims lose both their money and the relationship they believed was real.
Verification Code Theft
"Sorry, I accidentally sent my verification code to your number. Can you forward it to me?"
This targets your accounts. The "verification code" actually resets your WhatsApp, email, or banking credentials. Never share codes sent to your phone.
Red Flags From +62 838 WhatsApp Contacts
Be suspicious when a +62 838 contact:
Opens without context — Messages from unknown numbers without clear reason for contact suggest random targeting or data harvesting.
Moves fast emotionally — Rapid escalation of friendship or romantic interest often precedes financial requests.
Discusses money early — Legitimate new contacts rarely mention investments, loans, or financial opportunities in initial conversations.
Refuses video calls — Scammers avoid video because fabricated identities collapse under visual scrutiny.
Has a thin profile — Stock photos, minimal bio information, or recently created accounts suggest fake identities.
Sends suspicious links — URLs leading to unfamiliar websites, "verification" pages, or download requests often deliver malware or harvest credentials.
Requests verification codes — No legitimate contact needs codes sent to your phone.
Signs a +62 838 Contact May Be Genuine
Consider the contact legitimate if:
You have Indonesian connections — Friends, family, business contacts, or service providers in Indonesia.
The timing makes sense — Recent travel bookings, online purchases from Indonesian sellers, or professional interactions explain the contact.
They reference specifics — Details only a real contact would know: mutual acquaintances, transaction details, previous conversations.
Identity is verifiable — They appear on LinkedIn, company websites, or other platforms with consistent information.
They accept video calls — Willingness to show their face suggests genuine identity.
No financial requests — Legitimate contacts don't ask for money, investments, or sensitive information early in relationships.
What to Do When +62 838 Messages You on WhatsApp
Step 1: Don't React Immediately
Scammers exploit quick emotional responses. Take time to assess before replying.
Step 2: Examine the Profile
Check for:
Realistic profile photo (reverse image search if suspicious)
Bio information that can be verified
Status updates suggesting real activity
Account age (though this can be faked)
Step 3: Search the Number
Copy the full number (+62 838 XXXX XXXX) into Google. Scam numbers accumulate reports across fraud databases, Reddit threads, and consumer complaint sites.
Step 4: Ask Verification Questions
If you suspect a legitimate contact, ask questions only a real person would answer correctly. Scammers working from scripts struggle with specifics.
Step 5: Request Video Call
A simple "let's quick video call" request separates genuine contacts from fraudsters. Legitimate people rarely refuse; scammers always do.
Step 6: Block and Report if Suspicious
To block on WhatsApp:
Open the chat
Tap the contact name at the top
Scroll down and tap "Block"
To report:
In the same menu, tap "Report Contact"
Select the appropriate reason
Confirm submission
Reports help WhatsApp identify and remove scam accounts.
If you have legitimate Indonesian contacts and want affordable voice communication, traditional carrier rates can exceed $2-3 per minute.
Browser-based calling offers a practical alternative — call Indonesian mobile and landline numbers directly from your web browser. No app downloads, no SIM cards, transparent per-minute pricing.
+62 838 indicates an Indonesian mobile number on the Axis network. The +62 identifies Indonesia, while 838 specifies the carrier (Axis, a budget brand under XL Axiata). The person messaging you has registered their WhatsApp account with an Indonesian phone number.
Is +62 838 always a scam?
No. The 838 prefix is legitimate — millions of Indonesians use Axis for everyday communication. However, scammers frequently exploit these numbers because budget SIMs are inexpensive and accessible. The prefix indicates the carrier, not the caller's intentions.
Why do I keep getting WhatsApp messages from +62 838?
Your number was likely randomly generated by automated systems, obtained from a data breach, or scraped from online sources. Scammers message thousands of numbers hoping some will engage. Block individual contacts and avoid responding to suspicious messages.
Should I reply to a +62 838 message?
Only if you're expecting contact from Indonesia or can verify the sender's identity. Replying to scam messages confirms your number is active, potentially increasing future targeting. When uncertain, search the number online before responding.
How do I stop WhatsApp spam from Indonesia?
You cannot block an entire country code. Instead: enable two-step verification, limit profile visibility to contacts only, restrict group additions to contacts, block individual spam numbers, and report scam accounts to WhatsApp.
Summary
+62 838 is an Indonesian mobile number on the Axis network, a budget carrier operated by XL Axiata. The prefix itself is completely legitimate, used by millions of Indonesian subscribers.
However, WhatsApp scams frequently originate from +62 838 numbers due to the carrier's accessibility and Indonesia's massive WhatsApp user base. Common schemes include task scams, investment fraud, romance approaches, and verification code theft.
Protect yourself by:
Verifying unexpected contacts before engaging
Searching numbers online for scam reports
Requesting video calls to confirm identity
Never sharing verification codes
Blocking and reporting suspicious accounts
The carrier prefix confirms the network — verification determines legitimacy.
