Missed Call Scam: how to Effectively Defeat It

With the rapid expansion of telecommunications, phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. One such scam involves a missed call or one-ring scam, otherwise known as “Ping Call” or “Wangiri”. The scammers aim to lure you into calling back a premium-rate number, thereby incurring significant costs. This article will guide you through understanding this scam and how to avoid falling victim to it.

Understanding the Missed Call Scam

The Origin and Mechanism of the Scam

The missed call scam, initially relied on recognizable premium-rate numbers. However, scammers have evolved their tactics by using standard or local numbers to avoid arousing suspicion. They leverage automated systems to generate thousands of calls, increasing their efficiency and reaching a wider audience.

Types of Missed Call Scams

• Ping Call (or Wangiri): This term is derived from Japanese and means “ring and cut off.” The fraudster aims to provoke a return call to an expensive number.
• Voice Spam: Repeated short and interrupted calls designed to entice the victim to call back.
• Other Forms of Scams: Beyond Ping Calls, there are also vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS phishing), where scammers attempt to collect personal or banking information.

Now that we comprehend the workings of these scams let’s decode how international codes can be revealing clues in these deceptive schemes.

Giving Away Signs: International Dialling Codes

Awareness About Premium Numbers

Having identified the suspicious signs in an incoming call, our next step is to discern if such calls should indeed raise alarms.

Identifying a Suspicious Call: Red Alerts

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Not all missed calls from unknown numbers are scams. However, certain alerts should make you think twice before calling back. These include the lack of a voicemail message, an unfamiliar dialling code, or repetitive short-duration calls from the same number.

The next section presents some practical ways to avoid accidentally returning a call to a premium number thereby saving yourself from getting scammed.

How to Avoid Calling Back a Premium Number

Safety Measures

Avoid instant callbacks: If you receive a missed call from an unknown number that did not leave a message, resist the urge to call back immediately. Verify unfamiliar numbers: Conduct an online search for the unknown number to check if it has been reported by others as being linked to scams.

Moving on, let’s delve into common techniques that scammers use and how you can safeguard against them.

Common Techniques Used by Scammers

The Tricksters’ Toolbox

Crafty scammers are always evolving their tactics but they often rely on several common techniques. This includes utilizing automated systems for mass-calling, mimicking local numbers to appear less suspicious, or relying on curiosity-provoking methods like single ring calls.

Safeguarding Against Scams

Vigilance is the key to avoid falling prey. Be cautious of unknown numbers, particularly those without a voicemail message.

Let’s now discuss preventive measures that can be adopted to protect ourselves from such scams.

Preventive Measures Against Scams

Protect Yourself

The following section provides information about reporting procedures should you fall victim to a phone scam.

Procedures for Reporting a Phone Scam

In Case You’re Scammed…

If you unfortunately fall prey to an unscrupulous phone scam, report it immediately. Inform your telephone service provider and contact your local law enforcement agency. You might also want to consider alerting your bank and credit card company if any financial information was shared during the call.

Finally, let’s explore what legal recourse is available in case you are scammed.

Available Legal Recourse If You Are Victimized

Your Rights and Remedies

Suffering from such scams can be devastating. However, as victims of fraudulent activity, you have rights too. Many nations’ authorities are taking these frauds seriously and victims can file complaints for fraud. Recently, in April 2024, substantial awareness campaigns and legislative measures have been implemented to combat these scams effectively.

Phone scams, especially those related to missed calls, remain a persistent threat. By staying informed and vigilant, everyone can reduce the risk of falling victim to such fraudulent techniques. As we enter 2024, adopting a proactive stance against these malicious activities is crucial for our safety in this interconnected digital world.