Missed Calls - A new wave of mobile phone scams
Millions of mobile phone users are being subjected to a new wave
of money making scams currently being carried out by a number of
rouge agents set on taking advantage on the curiosity of the
individuals they target.
The "Missed Call" scam is very basic and extremely effective,
dependant on no more than a return call from those mobile phone
users trusting enough to believe that someone is trying to
contact them for genuine reasons.
So how does it work? - A computer is set up to pick numbers from
a list and calls them automatically. After one ring the computer
hangs up and the targeted handset indicates that a call has been
missed. At this point completion of the scam relies on the owner
of the mobile phone returning the call shown as missed on
his/her handset.
Curiosity is the key factor on which the success of this scam
has been based, and the scammers know that a large percentage of
phone users will almost always return a missed call simply to
find out the origin and purpose of it.
On returning the call, the owner of the targeted mobile phone is
redirected to a premium rate telephone service and increasingly
without his/her knowledge. The scammers then take this
opportunity and ensure that the maximum amount of money is made
from the call by entering into a lengthy conversation, generally
relating to some bogus prize or competition.
Often, it is not until the monthly statement arrives that the
targeted individual realises that his/her phone has been
subjected to a "Missed Call" scam and charged excessive rates
for the privilege.
At present there appears to be no immediate action which those
exposed to this scam can take to ensure that others do not
suffer the same fate.
The best way to prevent this scam is to apply caution, and only
return missed calls to those numbers you recognise. And
remember, if someone is genuinely trying to get hold of you,
they'll call again.
More details on the numbers you need to watch out for and where
you might get help if this scam happens to you are available on:
www.digital-phone.co.uk/mobile-phone-scams/missed-calls.
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