Don't Answer Calls from This Number: Recognise the Wangiri Scam Method
Don’t Answer Calls from This Number: Recognise the Wangiri Scam Method
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Digital fraud methods continue to evolve alongside advancements in communication technology. One method that has been prevalent in various countries and was once detected in Indonesia is Wangiri Fraud, a telephone scam scheme that first gained popularity in Japan in the early 2000s.
The term wangiri comes from Japanese, a combination of the words “wan” (one/ring) and “giri” (cut), which literally means “one ring and then hang up”. This name refers to the scammers’ modus operandi of allowing the phone to ring briefly before ending the call, in the hope that the victim will become curious and call back.
This method is not merely a nuisance call. Wangiri is a form of international telecommunications fraud that has spread to many countries, including the United States, European nations, and Southeast Asia.
In Indonesia, indications of Wangiri practices emerged around 2018 when several users reported receiving mysterious calls from unknown foreign numbers. These numbers typically use foreign country codes, piquing the recipient’s curiosity.
According to a report by Global Telco Consult, this scam exploits telecommunications networks, automated calling systems (auto dialer), and premium rate service (PRS) numbers.
Using this technology, perpetrators can make thousands of calls in a short time automatically. However, the calls are deliberately kept very brief—often just one or two rings—so that the victim does not have time to answer but is prompted to call back.
In addition to missed calls, some perpetrators also use SMS to attract victims’ attention. These messages are usually made to seem important or urgent, for example, asking the recipient to contact a specific number immediately.
The numbers used often appear like regular mobile numbers, but they are actually international premium numbers with very high rates. In some cases, perpetrators also use spoofing techniques, falsifying the caller ID to make it seem convincing.
Wangiri scams can cause direct financial losses to victims. When a victim calls back, they unknowingly connect to an international paid service with high per-minute rates.
Victims generally do not immediately realise they are being scammed. To extend the call duration, perpetrators often play automated recordings, hold music, or voicemail messages that give the impression the call will soon connect to someone.
The longer the victim stays on the line, the greater the charges incurred. In certain schemes, the revenue from these premium fees is then shared between the premium number operator and the scammers.
Here is the Wangiri scam scheme based on the explanation from Global Telco Consult:
- Mass calls to thousands of numbers
Perpetrators use automated systems to contact many phone numbers simultaneously in various regions. The calls are kept brief so they are not answered but sufficient to appear as missed calls.
- Victim is lured to call back
Out of curiosity or thinking the call is important, the victim contacts the number. Unknowingly, the call connects to an expensive international premium number.
- Connection is prolonged as much as possible
Perpetrators deliberately extend the call duration with message recordings, music, or fake queue systems to keep the victim connected.
- Perpetrators gain financial profit
The premium call fees paid by the victim become a source of profit for the perpetrators through revenue-sharing schemes.
- Victim only realises after credit or bills surge
Most victims only realise they have been scammed when their credit depletes drastically or their phone bill skyrockets.
Ways to Avoid Wangiri Scams
To avoid becoming a victim, the public is advised to:
Do not call back unknown foreign numbers, especially if they only ring briefly
Check the country code of the number online before responding
Ignore suspicious SMS asking to contact a specific number
Block numbers deemed suspicious
Report the number to the mobile operator or relevant authorities
In the current digital era, vigilance is the key. The Wangiri method shows that simple curiosity about an unknown missed call can lead to financial loss.