How Scammers Use Missed Calls Against You (And Trick You Into Answering)
Have you ever glanced at your phone to see a missed call from a number you don’t recognize?
It’s hard not to wonder who called.
Was it urgent?
Did you miss something important? Maybe you should call back, just to be safe.
This is exactly what scammers are counting on.
The "one-ring scam" is one of the most common and deceptive tricks used to exploit this curiosity, and we’ve seen a rise of this worldwide.
Here’s how it works:
Your phone rings once. It’s just enough to grab your attention before the caller hangs up. Maybe they also call again a few seconds later, but again, it only rings for a second before the “caller” hangs up.
The scammer hopes you’ll call back. Maybe you’re curious, or perhaps you’re concerned it’s an emergency.
When you return the call, you’re connected to a premium rate number, a scammer trying to con you, or even just a beeping sound. Regardless, your number is now classified as “active” and added to scam lists for future targeting.
Scammers frequently use international numbers or numbers that mimic local area codes to make the call appear legitimate.
Sometimes, they leave vague voicemails like, “This is an urgent message regarding your account. Please call us back immediately.” These tactics are designed to make you act without thinking.
Real-Life Examples of Missed Call Scams
The "Wangiri" Scam in Japan
The "Wangiri" scam (“one ring and cut” in Japanese) has been a persistent issue in Japan; many of our attendees at the recent event in Japan had fallen for this scam before.
Scammers use autodialing systems to make thousands of calls that ring only once. When recipients call back, they’re connected to a premium-rate phone line.
One attendee reported being charged over 3000yen ($20 USD) for a single callback that lasted just a few seconds. The scam was so widespread that Japanese authorities launched campaigns warning people not to return calls from unknown numbers.
The IRS Impersonation Scam in the United States
In this version in the USA, scammers use spoofed local numbers to leave voicemails claiming to be from the IRS.
The message says some variation of , “You have an unpaid tax bill. Call us immediately to avoid legal action.”
When you call back (out of fear), the other line will request money via gift cards or bitcoin.
The Missed Call from “their bank”
One our of recent Texas attendees told us about receiving a missed call that looked like it came from her bank. Thinking it was urgent, she called back. However, she was connected to an automated message asking her to “verify her identity” by providing her birthdate, address, and credit card number.
Thankfully, at this point alarm bells were ringing, so she hung up before giving away personal details.
However, she noticed an increase in phishing texts after that lasted several months - when she attended our workshop, she was specifically looking for ways to stop these scam texts.
How to Protect Yourself
If you’ve ever received a suspicious missed call, here are some tips to avoid falling for these scams. Remember: it’s impossible to fully prevent scam calls, but these tips can help reduce your risk:
Use Call Blocking Apps: Many apps can identify and block known scam numbers. Some phone carriers also offer this service.
Enable Call Screening: Some smartphones allow you to screen calls with automated assistants that verify the caller’s identity before you answer.
Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: If you don’t recognize the number, it’s safer to let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a clear message with details about who they are and why they’re calling.
Educate Yourself and Others: Share what you’ve learned about phone scams with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
Report the Call: In the U.S., you can report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Reporting helps authorities track and combat scams. Here’s more information on reporting calls.
Missed call scams rely on curiosity and urgency to trick you into engaging. By staying cautious and informed, you can protect yourself from these deceptive tactics and keep your personal information safe.
Remember, it’s always better to let an unknown call go unanswered than to risk falling victim to a scam.
Additional reading can be found here. You can also download the free internet safety guide PDF or attend one of our upcoming workshops.