One-ring Phone Scam

One-ring Phone Scam

7 February 2023 7 min read

The One Ring Phone Scam is a type of scam that targets individuals through their mobile phone. Scammers make a brief, one-ring call to a potential victim's phone, often from an international number. The goal of the scam is to get the victim to call back the number, which results in a high per-minute charge on the victim's phone bill.

Introduction

The One Ring Phone Scam is a type of scam that targets individuals through their mobile phone. Scammers make a brief, one-ring call to a potential victim's phone, often from an international number. The goal of the scam is to get the victim to call back the number, which results in a high per-minute charge on the victim's phone bill.

The scammers typically use numbers from countries with high international call rates, such as the Dominican Republic or Senegal, and call numbers in bulk, hoping that some will call back. When the victim calls back, they are connected to a premium rate or international number that charges a high fee per minute, with the scammers collecting a portion of the charges.

In addition to the financial cost, victims of the One Ring Phone Scam may also be vulnerable to additional scams, such as those that use high-pressure tactics to extract personal information or payment. It's important to be aware of this type of scam and to take steps to protect yourself and your phone number.

How One Ring Phone Scam Works

The One Ring Phone Scam works by making a brief, one-ring call to a potential victim's phone. The scammers use automated systems to call phone numbers in bulk, and the calls typically last just long enough to register as a missed call.

The goal of the scam is to get the victim to call back the number, which is often an international number with a high per-minute charge. The scammers use numbers from countries with high international call rates, such as the Dominican Republic or Senegal.

When the victim calls back, they are connected to a premium rate or international number that charges a high fee per minute. The scammers collect a portion of these charges, typically through a revenue-sharing arrangement with the premium rate provider. These scams have become increasingly common in recent years, and scammers are constantly seeking new ways to target victims and make a profit.

It's important to be aware of this type of scam and to take steps to protect yourself and your phone number. This may include not calling back unknown numbers, especially those from international area codes, and reporting any suspicious calls to your phone provider.

Signs of One Ring Phone Scam

There are several telltale signs that a call may be part of the One Ring Phone Scam:

• Missed call from an international number: One of the most common signs of the One Ring Phone Scam is a missed call from an international number, especially from countries with high international call rates, such as the Dominican Republic or Senegal.
• One-ring call: The call typically lasts just long enough to register as a missed call, usually one ring. This is designed to get the victim to call back the number.
• Unfamiliar number: The number may be unfamiliar to the victim and may not be stored in their phone's contact list.
• High per-minute charges: If a victim calls back the number, they may be connected to a premium rate or international number that charges a high fee per minute.
• No voicemail: The call may not leave a voicemail, or the voicemail may be blank or not easily understandable.
• Repeat calls: The victim may receive multiple calls from the same or similar numbers in a short period of time.

It's important to be aware of these signs and to exercise caution when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, especially those from international area codes. If you suspect that a call may be part of the One Ring Phone Scam, it's best to not call back the number and to report it to your phone provider.

Protecting Yourself from One Ring Phone Scam

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from the One Ring Phone Scam:

• Don't call back unknown numbers: If you receive a missed call from an unfamiliar number, especially an international number, do not call back. This is the main way scammers profit from the One Ring Phone Scam.
• Block the number: If you receive multiple calls from the same number, consider blocking the number on your phone to prevent future calls.
• Check your phone bill regularly: Review your phone bill regularly to catch any suspicious charges or international call fees, and report them to your phone provider.
• Educate yourself and others: Spread awareness of the One Ring Phone Scam to others, especially friends and family members, to help protect them from falling victim to the scam.
• Report the scam: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to your phone provider. This helps to raise awareness of the scam and may prevent others from falling victim.
• Use call-blocking technology: Some phone providers offer call-blocking technology that can help to prevent unwanted calls from reaching you. Consider using this technology to protect yourself from the One Ring Phone Scam and other types of phone scams.

By following these steps, you can help to protect yourself from the One Ring Phone Scam and reduce your risk of falling victim to this type of scam.

Discussion of the importance of not calling back numbers you don't recognize

It's important not to call back numbers that you don't recognize for several reasons:

• High per-minute charges: If the number is part of the One Ring Phone Scam, calling back the number may result in a high per-minute charge on your phone bill. The scammers use international numbers with high call rates to maximize their profits.
• Vulnerability to further scams: Calling back an unknown number may also make you vulnerable to further scams. Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to extract personal information or payment from you, putting you at risk of identity theft and financial loss.
• Supporting illegal activity: By calling back the number, you are indirectly supporting the illegal activity of the scammers and enabling them to continue their operations.

By not calling back numbers that you don't recognize, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to the One Ring Phone Scam and other types of phone scams. This simple step can help to protect your personal information and financial security, as well as prevent you from indirectly supporting illegal activity.

Explanation of how to report the scam to the appropriate authorities

If you suspect that you have received a call as part of the One Ring Phone Scam, it's important to report the scam to the appropriate authorities:

• Report to your phone provider: The first step in reporting the scam is to contact your phone provider. They may be able to provide you with more information about the call and help you to dispute any charges on your phone bill.
• Report to the Scamwatch - Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC): Scamwatch is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the ACCC works with state and territory consumer protection agencies and other government agencies to promote awareness in the community about scams. You can report phone scams, including the One Ring Phone Scam, to the Scamwatch by visiting their website (www.scamwatch.gov.au).
• Report to your local law enforcement agency: If you believe that you have been a victim of identity theft or financial loss as a result of the One Ring Phone Scam, you should also report the scam to your local law enforcement agency.

By reporting the scam to the appropriate authorities, you can help to raise awareness of the One Ring Phone Scam and prevent others from falling victim. Additionally, reporting the scam may assist law enforcement in their efforts to identify and prosecute the scammers.

Conclusion

The One Ring Phone Scam is a serious issue that can result in financial loss and identity theft for those who fall victim to it. Staying informed and aware of such scams is critical in order to protect yourself and your personal information.

It's important to educate yourself about the telltale signs of the One Ring Phone Scam, such as missed calls from unfamiliar international numbers, and to take the necessary steps to protect yourself, such as not calling back unknown numbers and reporting the scam to the appropriate authorities.

Additionally, it's essential to stay informed about new and emerging scams, as scammers are constantly finding new ways to target and exploit consumers. By staying informed and vigilant, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to phone scams and other types of fraud.

In conclusion, the One Ring Phone Scam highlights the importance of being cautious when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, and the need to stay informed and aware of current scams in order to protect yourself and your personal information.