Three issues guidance to mobile users about Wangiri call scam
Three issues guidance to mobile users about Wangiri call scam
Wangiri (literally translated as ‘one ring and cut’ in Japanese, where it first originated) is a scam that involves a fraudster calling a mobile phone number at random, hanging up after one or two rings, and therefore encouraging the recipient to call the number back. These numbers are often from an automated system resulting in a dramatic increase in such calls. They are also internationally-based meaning a customer could receive a charge for returning the call.
As a network, Three has continually taken a proactive approach – taking the necessary measures to protect and maintain security on its network, by, for example, proactively looking for patterns to Wangiri, and taking action to protect its customers, where possible.
As part of this approach, Three is alerting customers to take the following action if they receive an unexpected call from an unknown international number to avoid falling victim to the scam:
- Do not answer the phone
- Do not call the number back
- Never share any personal information
Customers can also report numbers to Three that they believe to be suspicious, to allow us to investigate.
Alex Ammoune, Lead Fraud Risk Specialist at Three, said: “At Three we take fraud like this extremely seriously and we ask our customers to stay extra vigilant when it comes to receiving calls from international numbers.”
Simon Dukes, Chief Executive of Cifas, the UK’s fraud prevention service, said: “Fraud and cybercrime is now the number one crime threat in the UK and we must all be aware of the steps we need to take to keep ourselves safe. Always be suspicious of unexpected calls and never share any personal information with people you don’t know or trust.”
For more information about the Wangiri scam, please visit http://support.three.co.uk
For more information about Cifas, please visit www.cifas.org.uk
ENDS
