If you receive calls from these numbers, do not answer or call back because it will cost you dearly.
Have you ever received a phone call with only one ring, ignored it, and then called the number again? If so, be aware that this scam, known as "missed calls," is one of the most common in the world.
This type of fraud can be detected through incoming calls, where users receive a missed call from an unknown number with a country code. Because the caller is unfamiliar, they call back, unaware that they are actually calling a call center that charges a special fee.
Unfortunately, experts regularly warn against this scam, emphasizing that it's one of the most common forms of fraud. Therefore, we'll explain in detail how it works and what contact codes you should pay attention to if you receive a call of this type.
How does the missed call scam work?
Cyber scammers call your phone number, and after two or three rings, they hang up so you can't answer. It's common to feel curious when receiving one or more calls from the same unknown number and to want to call back to find out who's calling. That's exactly what they're after.
Most of these numbers originate from phones outside the country, so when you call back, you may be charged extra, and the scammers take a percentage of the call's cost. Depending on how much they receive, if they manage to keep the victim on the call, they can earn even more money.
In a post on the X platform (formerly Twitter), experts warned about this, listing several phone codes to avoid to prevent falling victim to scams. These are some of the codes we should be aware of, as such scams have been proven to have been carried out using them.
We should also pay attention to area codes starting with 803, 806, and 807, as these are local numbers and are associated with special rates. Therefore, if you see any of these codes, whether they are international or from a premium-rate line, it's best not to answer the call or call back. However, scammers may use more common numbers to carry out the same scam, so always be cautious when answering calls from unfamiliar numbers.