Missed a call from an international number? It may be the one missed call you don’t need to return. Smart Communications is warning customers about the so-called “wangiri fraud” or “one-ring phone scam.”
“Once the victim calls the number, they’re charged excessively high per-minute rates. To prolong the call, some of these lines play recorded messages or hold music, engage customers in fake conversations, or activate interactive voice recordings,” warned Roy Ibay, VP and Head of Regulatory Affairs at Smart and Lead Convenor of the Protecta Pilipinas Public-Private Technology & Telecom Alliance.
“Wangiri” originated in Japan in the early 2000s. The term describes the modus: “wan” is a play on the word “one,” while “giri” means “to cut” or “hang up.” Using a premium—often international—number, scammers call their victim and intentionally hang up after one ring, just long enough to register a missed call.
Scammers have also deployed autodialers or robocallers to contact random phone numbers. They often use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate organization.
Curious about receiving an overseas call, victims may feel compelled to call back. When they do, they are charged exorbitant fees for connecting to a premium-rate line.
“The golden rule is to resist the urge to call unknown numbers. If it’s a legitimate call, the caller can send a text message or leave a voicemail. Remember, if the number looks suspicious, it’s better to block it immediately,” Ibay said.
Customers can also search suspicious numbers online to check if they have been reported for fraudulent activity.
Be familiar with the Philippines’ country code. Calls originating from the Philippines typically begin with the prefix “+63,” whether they are landline or mobile numbers.
Most smartphones come with call-blocking tools. Both Android and iOS operating systems have built-in features to filter scam calls. There are also third-party call filter applications available to help users identify and block spam numbers.
Smart customers are encouraged to report suspicious calls by dialing *888.
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