Scams to know
One-ring missed calls from overseas (the "wangiri" scam)
Your phone rings once - maybe at 3am - and stops. The missed call is from a long overseas number you've never seen. That's "wangiri", Japanese for "one ring and cut", and it only works if you call back.
How it makes money
The number is set up so that calling it costs a lot - a premium-rate or high-cost international line where part of the charge goes to the scammer. They may keep you on the line with hold music or a recorded message. Some versions simply confirm your number is live so it can be sold.
Signs it's wangiri
- It rang once or twice and stopped before you could answer.
- It starts with + and a country code you have no connection to - often in Africa, Eastern Europe or the Pacific.
- It came at an odd hour, or several came in a row.
- There's no voicemail.
What to do
- Don't call back. Anyone genuine will try again or leave a message.
- Look the number up on BadCall - overseas numbers work too: type it with the + and country code.
- Block it - how to block a number.
- Check your bill if you did call back, and talk to your provider about any charge. You can also ask your provider to bar calls to international or premium numbers.
Got one? Report it and choose "One-ring missed call". See every one-ring number Australians have reported.