Wangiri: The Phone Scam That Could Cost You Big

For several weeks, a new scam has been rampant, prompting authorities to sound the alarm and offer advice on how to avoid falling victim. What are these tips for staying safe?

Fraud Alert: The “Wangiri” Scam

A new scam called wangiri has been making waves recently, causing enough concern for authorities to take action and raise public awareness.

The “Wangiri” Trap

Originating from Japan, “wangiri” means “one ring and cut.” The scammer calls and hangs up immediately. “When someone sees a missed call and calls back, they are connected to a premium rate number abroad, resulting in a costly charge,” warns Europol.

Scammers often call during off-peak hours to increase the likelihood of missed calls. With no message left, the recipient might feel compelled to return the call.

How to Protect Yourself from This Scam

Despite the increasing sophistication of scams, Europol provides tips to guard against wangiri:

Do not return calls to unknown numbers. “Anyone who genuinely needs to contact you will leave a message or call back,” the European authority advises.
Recognize foreign numbers. “These usually have international dial codes,” Europol notes.

Other Preventative Measures

Additional ways to shield yourself from this fraud include:

Registering with Bloctel to block unwanted calls.
Using the anti-spam app developed by Orange.
Reporting any suspicious numbers to 33700.

Lastly, remember this golden rule: never give out your bank details over the phone.