Oh great, another scam to worry about…

So, you thought you’ve seen it all—spam emails, phishing texts, fake “Congratulations, you won” pop-ups—but nope, here comes Wangiri to ruin your peaceful day. Never heard of it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Wangiri is like that sneaky cousin at a family gathering, sliding into your life without notice, leaving chaos in its wake.

But, hey, let’s not panic… yet.

What Exactly Is Wangiri?

(And why on earth does it have such a weird name?)

Let’s break this down: “Wangiri” is actually a Japanese word, and it means “one ring and cut.” And that’s literally what this scam is about. Some random number rings your phone for just a second and then hangs up, leaving you wondering, “Wait… who was that?” If you’re the curious type (which, let’s face it, most of us are), you’ll want to call back. That’s exactly what the scammers are banking on.

When you call back, you’re connected to a premium rate number or an international line that charges you a ridiculous amount per minute. And boom! Just like that, your phone bill skyrockets faster than your heartbeat when you realize what happened.

How Does It Work?

Here’s where things get… clever, for lack of a better word. The scammer uses software to make thousands of missed calls from fake numbers (or legit ones they’ve spoofed). They ring once or twice, enough to trigger your “missed call” notification but not long enough for you to actually pick up. The scammer is hoping your FOMO (fear of missing out) will get the better of you. You’ll see the missed call, think it’s something important, and hit that “call back” button. And that’s when your bank account starts to cry.

IMPORTANT: These calls often come from international numbers that look eerily similar to your local country code, tricking you even further.

Who’s Falling For This?

You might be thinking, “Who in their right mind would fall for that?” But hey, let’s not judge too quickly. We’ve all been there—especially when we’re expecting an important call, or worse, waiting for a pizza delivery. Scammers target your curiosity and urgency. They use psychological tricks that catch even the savviest of us off guard.

Also, the numbers can look pretty convincing—it’s not some obvious +999 number from Mars. It can look like it’s coming from a neighboring city or a country where you’ve got friends or family. It’s a nasty little game they play, and they’re winning.

Is There Any Way To Stop This Madness?

You bet there is! But, spoiler alert, it’s not foolproof.

1. Don’t Call Back Unknown Numbers: I mean, this one’s obvious, right? If you don’t recognize the number, just let it go. If it’s something important, they’ll call again or leave a voicemail. Problem solved.
2. Block Suspicious Numbers: Most phones these days allow you to block numbers. After receiving one of those “one ring” scams, block the number immediately. It’s like swatting a fly—satisfying but never-ending.
3. Use Call Filtering Apps: There are plenty of apps that block suspicious calls or identify scam numbers. Apps like Hiya or Truecaller can be lifesavers in this digital jungle.
4. Report the Scam: Got hit by Wangiri? Report it to your service provider. Most telecom companies have systems in place to track and block these scammers. Sure, it won’t prevent everything, but it’s better than doing nothing.
5. Don’t Forget To Check Your Bill: Once in a while, give your phone bill a good hard look. If you see weird charges, contact your carrier immediately and dispute them. Catching it early could save you from unwanted charges.

Why Do People Still Fall for This?

It’s the ultimate conundrum. Despite all the warnings, people still fall for it. It’s the curiosity that kills, not the cat, but your wallet in this case. We live in a world where we’re always connected, always expecting something urgent. And that’s the goldmine for scammers—they know you’re hooked to your phone like a lifeline.

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Wangiri in 2024: Is It Getting Worse?

You’d think with all the advancements in technology, we’d be getting rid of these scams. But nope. In fact, Wangiri scams have evolved, using AI to mimic legitimate numbers more convincingly. With international call rates and premium numbers still being a thing, it’s like scammers are swimming in a pool of dollar bills.

And here’s the kicker—some carriers are even charging you just for receiving these missed calls. Yep, you read that right. You don’t even have to call back, and you could still end up with extra fees.

Related Scams To Watch Out For

If Wangiri wasn’t bad enough, there are other exciting phone scams making the rounds too. Ever heard of smishing? It’s like phishing but done via SMS. And don’t even get me started on vishing, where scammers use voice calls pretending to be someone you trust—like your bank or even government agencies.

Final Thoughts

The moral of the story? Don’t trust missed calls from numbers you don’t know. Wangiri scams may seem simple, but they’re an insidious way to steal from you. Be vigilant, and remember—if it’s important, they’ll leave a message. Or send a pigeon. Either way, your wallet will thank you later.