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A new scam known as the ‘Wangiri’ method or ‘missed call scam’ has been sweeping across the country, leaving unsuspecting victims in every corner of Spain with hefty phone bills. The swindle works by tricking people into calling back a special rate number, usually beginning with ‘+’ or ‘00’, followed by a prefix and a phone number.

 

When the victim returns the missed call, they are charged for the call establishment and connection time, resulting in a higher-than-normal phone bill.

 

The scam is particularly sneaky because it is difficult to detect. Victims often don’t realise they’ve been scammed until they receive their phone bill, which can include calls they don’t remember making. And foreigners living in Spain are particularly vulnerable, as they are often not as familiar with local numbers and area codes, so can be duped into returning a dodgy missed call.

 

The fraudsters behind the Wangiri scam are believed to be operating from abroad, using unregistered numbers to target their victims.

 

To avoid falling prey to this scam, the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) advises people to be vigilant when receiving missed calls from unknown numbers. Before returning a missed call, it’s essential to check the number to see if it’s a legitimate caller.

 

Some red flags to look out for include prefixes such as +355 (Albania), +225 (Ivory Coast), +233 (Ghana) and +234 (Nigeria), while calls from numbers beginning in +803, +806 or +807 should also cause you to raise your guard. These prefixes indicate a special rate number, which could result in additional charges.

 

Another way to verify the authenticity of a missed call is to search for the number online. If the number appears on a website or is associated with a legitimate company, it’s likely a genuine call. However, if the number seems suspicious, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid returning the call.

 

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of the Wangiri scam, the first step is to check your phone bill carefully.

 

If you notice any unusual charges, report the incident to your phone service provider immediately. You can also file a complaint with the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) or your local police station.

 

It’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible, such as call logs, invoices and bank statements, to support your claim.

 

 

Image: OCU