New scam alert from ACCC: Unexpected missed calls from overseas

The ACCC has warned consumers about reports of a new scam enacted via overseas calls. As accom managers receive overseas calls quite often, this might be one to watch out for.

Via Scamwatch, the ACCC explained that this particula scam has been dubbed ‘Wangiri’, which is a Japanese term for ‘one and cut’. “In these scams, a scammer will call you and let it ring once then hang up without leaving a message, so a missed call will appear on your phone from an international number.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”27469″ align=”left”]”If you call the number back, you may be put on hold, hear music playing or the scammer could try and chat with you. The scammer’s objective is to keep you on the line for as long as possible as your call will be charged at a premium rate.”

The following tips were provided by the ACCC:

Protect yourself…

• If you receive an unexpected missed call from an international number you don’t recognise, ignore it.
• If you are receiving repeated missed calls, block the number.
• Consider blocking international calls on mobiles used by children. This prevents a child from accidentally calling an international number themselves.
• When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it’s over the phone, by mail, fax, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.
• Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.

accomnews encourages its readers to report scams to the ACCC via the Report a scam page.