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Wangiri: what it is and how to avoid phone scams

Wangiri scams, also known as no-answer call scams, pose a growing danger to consumers. It is a deceptive scheme that exploits victims through short calls from unknown foreign numbers, enticing them to call back to fall into a financial trap.

What are unanswered calls

Unanswered calls are the starting point of the Wangiri scam. They are very short calls, often limited to one ring, from foreign numbers or special rate numbers. The goal is to arouse curiosity in the victim, prompting them to call the number back.

Origin of the term “Wangiri”

The term “Wangiri” comes from Japanese and literally means “ringing and hanging up.” This word describes exactly the mechanism behind the scam: a quickly interrupted call, prompting the victim to call back.

How Wangiri scams work

Wangiri scams work in a simple way: a call arrives on the victim’s phone, but is interrupted before the victim can answer. If the victim calls back, he or she is redirected to a pay-as-you-go number, often with very high charges. These calls are usually made at times when the victim may not be able to answer (e.g., during work or at night), to maximize the chances of a callback.

How to recognize a Wangiri scam?

Recognizing a Wangiri scam is critical to avoid being a victim of fraudulent charges. Here are some signs to watch out for.

Signs of suspicious calls.

The Wangiri scam exploits victims’ curiosity and urgency by generating missed calls from unknown international numbers. The scammer counts on the victim to call the number back, which results in high call charges. Signs of suspicious calls include numbers with strange or international area codes, short calls that end before they can be answered, and repeated calls over a short period of time. It is important to avoid calling unknown numbers to avoid falling victim to this scam.

  • The call comes from an unknown number, often foreign or with an unusual area code.
  • The call stops after one ring, leaving no time to answer.
  • If you call back, you are directed to an answering machine or automated service, often in a foreign language.

Common examples of Wangiri scams.

A typical example is numbers with exotic international dialing codes, such as those from African or Caribbean countries, that are not related to personal contacts. These numbers leave a call unanswered and, when called back, lead to a service with high charges. Another example is nighttime calls, when one is more disoriented and inclined to call back without thinking.

How to protect yourself from phone scams

To guard against Wangiri scams, it is important to take some preventive precautions that help reduce the risk of being scammed.

Precautions to take

To protect yourself from Wangiri scams, it is essential to take some security measures. Below are the main precautions to follow to avoid falling victim to these phone scams, which can lead to high costs and other unpleasant consequences.

  • Number verification: Check the caller’s number through services such as Agcom’s Register of Communication Operators to see if the number is legitimate.
  • Block suspicious numbers: Use the call blocking feature on your smartphone or specific apps that automatically filter unknown numbers.
  • Avoid calling back unknown numbers: Don’t call back numbers you don’t recognize, especially if they have only rung once or come from an unknown international area code.
  • Confidentiality of your data: Do not share your phone number on websites or social media indiscriminately.
  • Credit monitoring: Check your phone credit regularly for unauthorized charges.

What to do if you have already fallen victim

If you have already fallen victim to a Wangiri scam, there are some actions you can take to limit the damage and get a refund.

How to recover any charges

If you have unauthorized charges on your phone account, the first step is to contact your carrier immediately to dispute the charges. Many telephone carriers have procedures for recovering fraudulently charged amounts.

Report the scam to the appropriate authorities.

In addition to requesting a refund, it is important to report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as the Postal Police in Italy or Agcom. Reporting helps monitor and reduce the phenomenon, protecting other consumers from the same scams.
In summary, Wangiri is a telephone scam that can be very costly for those who fall into the trap. However, by taking the right precautions and reporting suspicious cases, you can effectively protect yourself from this growing threat.