The Rising Threat of the 'Wangiri' Phone Scam in the US

The Wangiri Phone Scam:

The 'Wangiri' scam, which originated in Japan, has now made its way to the USA, preying on people's curiosity and fear of missing important calls. The term 'Wangiri' translates to 'one ring and cut' in Japanese, which describes the speed of the scam. Scammers target random phone numbers, allowing the phone to ring only once or twice before hanging up. The intention is to entice the recipient into returning the missed call, connecting them to a premium rate number that charges extremely high fees per minute.

How the Scam Works:

The Wangiri scam relies on the victim being curious enough to return a missed call. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to display a local or familiar number on the recipient's phone, increasing the chance of them returning the call. Once the victim dials back, they are unknowingly connected to a premium rate number, resulting in significant charges on their phone bill.

Protect Yourself with these Tips:

To safeguard yourself from falling prey to the Wangiri phone scam, it is crucial to use caution and preventive measures. Here are some essential tips:

1. If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number that rings only once or twice and then stops, be wary. Avoid returning calls to unknown numbers, especially if they appear suspicious.
2. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into returning the call. Avoid giving in to the pressure and take a moment to evaluate the situation before making any decisions.
3. If you suspect a missed call may be important, do a quick online search using the phone number. This can help identify if it's associated with any known scams or fraudulent activities.
4. Use call blocking apps like Truecaller to filter and block potential scam calls. These tools can significantl­y reduce the risk of falling victim to Wangiri and other phone scams.

How Can Truecaller help? Well, there’s our famous Caller ID and Spam Blocking. But there’s also much more. Visit the website and take a look at all our features, and also make sure to check this blog regularly for all the new updates and tips.

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