Beware of One-Ring Scams: Don't Fall for the Wangiri Trick

2024-12-15

Nigerian phone users are being warned about a cunning scam tactic known as “Wangiri.” This deceptive scheme involves receiving missed calls from unfamiliar international numbers. The goal? To trick you into calling back, racking up hefty charges on premium-rate lines.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued an alert after receiving complaints from over 20,000 Nigerians who fell victim to this scam. “Wangiri,” which translates to “one ring and drop” in Japanese, highlights the core method – scammers make short calls and hang up abruptly, hoping you’ll return the call.

What Undercode Says:

This “Wangiri” scam preys on our natural curiosity and the slight annoyance of a missed call. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and how to protect yourself:

The Bait: You receive a missed call from an unfamiliar international number.
The Trap: Intrigued or frustrated by the missed call, you return the number.
The Cost: Unknowingly, you connect to a premium-rate line, leading to unexpected and expensive charges on your phone bill.

The scam thrives on impermanence. Numbers frequently change, making blocking them a challenge. Furthermore, the scam may persist for days, exploiting your curiosity and the confusion caused by the missed calls.

Fight Back: Stay Safe from Wangiri Scams

Here are some essential tips to avoid falling victim to “Wangiri” scams:

Don’t Call Back: Resist the urge to return calls from unknown international numbers.
Block Suspicious Numbers: If you receive repeated calls from the same number, block it immediately.
Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with common international prefixes associated with “Wangiri” scams, such as +175 (Saint Lucia), +269 (Comoros), +682 (Cook Islands).
Activate Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account, making it harder for hackers to gain access.

By following these steps and remaining vigilant, you can protect yourself from “Wangiri” scams and safeguard your hard-earned money. Remember, if a call seems suspicious, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to block the number and report it to your service provider.