Finance glossary

What Is Wangiri Fraud (Wangiri Scam)?

Bristol James
2 Min

Wangiri fraud, also known as the Wangiri scam, is a type of telephone fraud that tricks people into calling back missed international numbers, leading to hefty phone charges. The term “Wangiri” comes from a Japanese phrase that means “one ring and cut.”

How Does Wangiri Fraud Work?

The Wangiri scam is simple but effective. Here’s how the process works step by step:

  1. Automated call: The scammer’s automatic system generates thousands of short calls, randomly targeting people. The calls are often from international numbers or spoofed to appear local, increasing the chances that the recipient will call back.
  2. Missed call: The recipient receives a missed call on their phone, often seeing a foreign or unfamiliar number. Curiosity or concern might prompt them to return the call, especially if they believe it could be from someone they know or an important business contact.
  3. Expensive callback: Once the victim calls back, they are connected to a premium-rate number, which charges high per-minute fees. Scammers might use tactics to keep the victim on the line for as long as possible, such as playing music, holding the line, or pretending to be a service.
  4. Profit for scammers: The premium-rate number is controlled by the scammer, and a portion of the revenue generated from the call is directed to them. The victim is left with an expensive phone bill, while the scammer earns money from the call duration.

How to Prevent Wangiri Fraud

Preventing Wangiri fraud primarily involves vigilance and awareness. Here are some steps you can take to avoid falling victim to this scam:

  1. Don’t return missed calls from unknown numbers: If you receive a missed call from an unfamiliar or international number, do not call it back. Instead, research the number online or use a reverse phone lookup service to check its legitimacy.
  2. Use call-blocking features: Most smartphones offer call-blocking features that can prevent calls from certain numbers or specific country codes. Set up your phone to block unwanted international calls or numbers with strange patterns.
  3. Contact your phone provider: Many phone carriers offer services or apps that can help detect and block scam calls. Reach out to your provider to learn about options for preventing Wangiri and other types of fraud.
  4. Report scam calls: If you receive a suspicious missed call, report it to your phone carrier or the relevant authorities. This can help in tracking down scammers and preventing further attacks.
  5. Educate yourself and others: Make sure you and others in your network are aware of the Wangiri scam. Education is one of the best defenses against these types of frauds.

Summary

  • Wangiri fraud involves scammers placing short calls, prompting victims to call back, and charging hefty amounts on premium-rate numbers.
  • Scammers use automated systems to dial numerous phones, relying on the victim to return a missed call and incur high costs on a premium number.
  • Avoid calling back unfamiliar numbers, use call-blocking features, and report suspicious calls to your phone provider to safeguard against the scam.

 

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