Missed a call from an unknown number? It could be a Wangiri scam

In our always-connected world, scam tactics are getting smarter — and sometimes, all it takes is one missed call. What looks like a harmless notification might actually be a trick designed to get you to call back and lose money. One common example is the 'wangiri' scam, a tactic that preys on curiosity and quick reactions. Here's how it works, and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is a wangiri scam?

‘Wangiri’ is a Japanese term that means “one ring and cut”. True to its name, this scam involves a phone ringing once before the caller hangs up. The goal? To tempt you into calling back — but that number often routes to a premium-rate international line, racking up expensive charges the moment you connect.

How scammers trick you

Scammers typically use international numbers with unfamiliar country codes. The call ends quickly but leaves a missed call notification behind. They rely on your curiosity, or the fear of missing something important, to get you to return the call without thinking. If you do call back, you’re connected to a premium-rate number. Some scams even use automated messages or hold music to keep you on the line longer, increasing the charges.

Signs of a wangiri scam

Not sure if it’s a scam? Watch out for these red flags:

• Missed calls from strange international numbers (+94, +373, +212, etc.)
• Calls that ring once and then stop
• Multiple missed calls in a short period of time
• Repeated calls at odd hours
• Numbers you don’t recognise or weren’t expecting

If any of these seem familiar, think twice before calling back.

How to protect yourself

Staying safe from wangiri scams is all about awareness and caution. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• Don’t return missed calls from unknown international numbers
• Enable call-blocking features on your phone or use third-party apps
• Report suspicious numbers to your service provider
• Stay informed with scam alerts and news from trusted sources
• Be cautious with any unexpected communication, especially if it pressures you to act quickly

What to do if you’ve fallen for it

If you suspect you’ve returned a wangiri call, don’t panic — here are the steps you should take to limit any potential impact:

• Hang up immediately and avoid further engagement. The sooner you disconnect, the lower the risk of additional charges.
• Check your phone bill for any unusual charges. Look out for premium-rate or international call fees you don’t recognise.
• Report the incident to your service provider. This helps telcos investigate the number and take steps to block it from affecting others.
• Enable call-blocking or restrict international dialling on your device. You can do this through your phone settings or by contacting your service provider for extra safeguards.
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A missed call might seem harmless — but with scams like wangiri, even a moment of curiosity can come at a cost. By knowing what to watch out for and taking simple precautions, you can stay one step ahead.

At CelcomDigi, your digital safety matters. Visit our S.A.F.E. Internet page to learn more about how you can protect yourself from digital scams.