New 'Missed Call' Scam Claims Numerous Victims: Here's How to Identify It
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - A new digital scam is claiming numerous victims. The public must remain vigilant against telephone fraud involving unanswered calls, also known as ‘Wangiri Fraud’.
This scam is carried out by fraudsters calling victims briefly, resulting in a missed call. The numbers used generally originate from abroad or use unfamiliar international codes.
The perpetrators deliberately pique the curiosity of victims to encourage them to call back. When victims make a return call, the connection can lead to a premium-rate service, causing their phone credit or bill to increase significantly.
In an article, Global Telco Consult stated that this scam uses networks and hardware such as automatic diallers and premium-rate service (RPS) numbers. Automatic diallers can make thousands of phone calls simultaneously.
The calls are designed to be made for a short period of time. Not to be answered by the number’s owner, but to encourage them to call back.
The numbers used are usually unallocated or provisioned numbers. They make it appear as if the call is coming from a real number.
Global Telco Consult also shared the scam’s scheme. Here is a summary, quoted on Saturday (16/5/2026).
The fraudsters will make telephone calls to many numbers in various regions. To attract attention, they will use SMS messages asking the number’s owner to call back.
Curious recipients will call the foreign telephone number. However, they do not realise they are calling a premium-rate or international number with high per-minute charges.
Victims will be connected for a long time. The perpetrators will play recordings of messages or music, giving the impression that the telephone call will be connected soon.
The fees charged to victims for the call will benefit the fraudsters. They share the revenue with the operator that owns the premium-rate number.
Victims usually only realise that the call was a scam when their phone credit has run out.
(hsy/hsy)