Missed Call Scam Already Claims Many Victims, Here Are Its Characteristics
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Scams are increasingly prevalent with the advancement of time and technology. Wangiri Fraud has become one of the scams that has claimed many victims.
This modus operandi was known in Japan in the 2000s and has spread worldwide, even going viral in Indonesia in 2018. The scam begins with an incoming missed call from an unknown person. It usually comes from an unfamiliar foreign number, enticing people to call back that number.
The impact of this modus is considerable. From the trust in answering or returning phone calls to financial losses.
In an article, Global Telco Consult mentions that this scam uses networks and hardware such as automatic diallers and premium-rate service numbers (RPS). Automatic diallers can make thousands of phone calls simultaneously.
The calls are designed to last only a short time. Not to be answered by the number’s owner, but to prompt them to call back.
The numbers used are usually unallocated or provided numbers. They make it appear as if the call originates from a genuine number.
Global Telco Consult also shares the scam’s scheme. Here is a summary, quoted on Monday (6/4/2026):
The scammers will make phone calls to many numbers in various regions. To attract attention, they will use SMS asking the number owner to call back.
Curious recipients will call the foreign phone number. However, they are unaware that they are calling a premium-rate or international number with expensive per-minute charges.
The victim will be connected for a long time. The perpetrators will play recorded messages or music that gives the impression the call will soon connect.
The costs charged to the victim from the call will benefit the scammers. They share the revenue with the operator owning the premium-rate number.
Usually, the victim only realises it is a scam when their credit has run out.