Phone scams are nothing new, unfortunately, but one of the oldest tricks in the book, the Wangiri scam, is still catching people off guard. Named after the Japanese term for ‘one ring,’ this scheme is simple, sneaky, and costly. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

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How the Wangiri Scam Works

The scam starts with a missed call from an unknown number, often with an international code. The call rings once and then hangs up, leaving you curious about who tried to reach you. If you call back, you’re not just connecting to a random person, you’re dialing a premium-rate number that charges exorbitant fees.

These numbers are often located in far-off countries, and the charges can show up on your phone bill as international or premium-rate calls. Scammers make money by taking a cut of these fees, and the longer you stay on the line, the more they profit. There has been a flurry of these calls reported in Spain in recent weeks.

Why the Wangiri Scam is So Effective

The Wangiri scam preys on two things: curiosity and trust. Most people assume a missed call is harmless, and returning it seems like the polite thing to do. But in this case, that simple act can lead to a nasty surprise when your next phone bill arrives.

Scammers often time these calls for maximum impact, late at night or during work hours, when you’re less likely to answer but more likely to wonder who called. As the saying goes, curiosity can cost you.

Where Do These Calls Come From?

These fraudulent calls often originate from countries like:

• Moldova (+373)
• France (+33)
• Tunisia (+216)
• United Kingdom (+44)
• Kosovo (+383)
• Cuba (+53)
• Albania (+355),
• Mauritania (+222)

Calls from African countries (country codes starting with +2) or Central American countries (codes starting with +5) should also raise red flags.

How Scammers Profit

The scammers partner with providers of premium-rate numbers. When victims call back, the provider charges high fees, and the scammers take a cut. In some cases, returning the call can even sign you up for a subscription service you never wanted, leading to ongoing charges.

How to Spot and Avoid Phone Scams

Authorities and cybersecurity experts recommend staying vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams like this. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Missed calls from unknown international numbers. If you don’t recognize the number, think twice before calling back.
• Requests for immediate action. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers. Be wary of messages promising refunds, prizes, or other rewards that require you to call a number or share personal information.
• Poor grammar or unusual language. Many scams originate overseas, and the messages may contain errors or awkward phrasing.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you receive a suspicious missed call or message, don’t engage. Block the number and report it to your phone carrier or local authorities. Most importantly, resist the urge to call back, even if you’re curious.

An Ongoing Global Scam

In 2019, New Zealand’s telecommunications agency issued a warning after a wave of wangiri scams targeted mobile users with calls from African countries.

In the US, robocalls from international numbers were flagged by the FCC as a growing concern. The calls use codes like +232 (Sierra Leone) and +222 (Mauritania).

In Spain, in recent weeks, victims reported missed calls from North African and Eastern European numbers.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

The Wangiri scam is a reminder that not all missed calls are innocent. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid becoming the next victim. Remember: when in doubt, let the call go to voicemail. Your wallet will thank you.

Main image: Pexels/Tofros.com