THE phone scams are becoming more and more sophisticated and criminals are using various strategies to deceive users. Among the most common types are phone phishing, in which the scammer impersonates a legitimate entity, such as the bank or Treasury, to obtain personal and banking information; and the double call scam, which involves two calls to create a fake offer to switch service providers. There is also the Wangiri scamin which short calls are made for the victim to call back a premium rate number.
THE prize scams or fake competitions are another very common method, where scammers pretend that the victim has won a prize, but they have to pay a fee to claim it. In contrast, technical service scams involve scammers posing as employees of the service. technology companies to access victims’ devices. Dating scams are also common, in which scammers seek to make emotional connections and then ask for money. Additionally, family support scams prey on people’s worries by posing as distressed family members.
This is how the Wangiri scam works
The scam known as Wangiri has become a growing concern as scammers use increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive people and steal money from them. This type of fraud, which translates from Japanese to “call and hang up,” relies on the simple trick of making short calls that are interrupted after one or two rings. When they notice a missed call, many call back without verifying its origin, leading them to incur high costs when contacting premium lines.
The mechanism of the scam involves computer systems which generate calls to several users simultaneously. When a victim calls back, they are faced with very high international rates, as these numbers are often linked to paid or premium services. Fraudsters use various strategies to prolong the conversation, such as music on hold or interactive recordings, thereby increasing the cost of the call for victims.
Recently, an alarming increase in calls from international prefixes such as +685 (Western Samoa), +216 (Tunisia) and +94 (Sri Lanka)among others. To avoid falling into this trap, authorities recommend not forwarding calls to unknown numbers, especially those with international prefixes.
If anyone suspects they have been a victim of this scam, the first thing they should do is check their phone bill and then report the situation to National Cybersecurity Institute. The OCU highlights the need for authorities to strengthen regulations on special tariff lines. Prevention is key to protecting against Wangiri, which poses a major threat in the toll fraud landscape.
“The only way to avoid this scam is to not return the missed call, or not to do so until you have tried to find out who is calling you,” explains the OCU.
Double call fraud
On the other hand, the OCU has issued an alert regarding a new phone scam linked to 5G technologyin which scammers pose as representatives of legitimate phone companies. They use deceptive rhetoric to convince users of the need to change routers and providers, offering discounts that create a sense of urgency.
One of the most used methods is that of double callwhere criminals inform users of an increase in their price of between 15 and 25 euros. Then, they make a second call in which they propose a change of provider, supposedly supported by the OCU, by requesting the code provided in the first call.
Victims usually receive these calls from hidden numberswhich makes it difficult to identify fraudsters. OCU reported this abuse of its name to the appropriate authorities. The goal is for deceived users to agree to change provider.
Protect yourself against phone scams This is essential in an environment where these frauds are increasingly common.
- First of all, it is essential to be wary of unknown numbers. If you receive a call from an unrecognized number, it is best not to answer. If the call is important, the caller will leave a message. Also avoid forwarding calls to hidden numbers, as you may contact special rate lines.
- If you receive a call from a well-known company, it is advisable to verify the information by searching for the official number and confirming the call. Additionally, you should never provide personal information, such as passwords or account information, over the phone, as legitimate companies do not ask for this information in this manner.
- It is essential to be wary of offers that are too attractive, and registering on no-call lists can help reduce unwanted calls. Staying informed about recent scams is crucial for prevention.
