Thiruvananthapuram: You may end up paying a heavy price for responding to missed calls from unknown international numbers. The wangiri scam, a telephone con that has hit several nations recently, is spreading in Kerala too in the past one week.
The phone calls from numbers starting from +591 originated from Bolivia. According to complaints received by the police, most people have got phone calls from numbers such as +591 60940305, +591 60940365, +591 60940410 and others.
If you call back this number, you could lose Rs 200 per minute. In Japanese, Wan means one (one ring) and Giri means disconnecting the call. Wangiri translates into 'one ring and cut'.
Wangiri scam was rampant in the UAE and Kenya for a few months. Calls starting with numbers +41 (Switzerland), +963 (Syria), +252 (Somalia) and +37 Latvia have targeted Kerala in the past. The calls need not originate from the respective countries though.
How it works
1. Scamsters obtain numbers that can charge a premium (similar to marketing calls that can charge a higher rate) from some countries. It is difficult to trace them. Using a special software calls are made to a series of numbers in a defined range. The auto dialer calls each number in turn for one ring and then disconnects.
2. At least some of those who have got the missed calls call back and get billed at a premium rate. The rates are much higher than standard ISD rates.
3. The call is received by the scamsters' computer and plays recorded songs or voice messages trying to keep you on the line as long as possible.
4. Since it is a premium rate number, the telecom service provider shares revenue with the scamsters. In some cases, as soon as you dial the number you are automatically connected, which will help the fraudsters earn more money. Even the ringtone could actually be part of the recording.
Be careful
• Do not return missed calls to any unknown international number.
• Remain alert to missed calls and SMSes from numbers beginning from any country other than India (+91).
• If you return the call mistakenly, immediately disconnect.
• If strangers call you, do not share your personal details.
• Check if there are any unusual changes in your phone balance and bill.
• The threat is only in phones from which you can make international calls.
Say yes and lose money
There are scams like 'Can you hear me' where if you say yes on the phone you lose money and the call will get disconnected. You will get a message saying money has been deducted. This 'yes' will be used to provide some premium services to you.
The fraudster will edit out the first part and use your 'yes'.
