When you get a missed call on your mobile from a number you don’t recognise, the obvious temptation is to dial it straight back to see who is trying to contact you. But beware…
Because actually it could be a scam, and returning the call could leave you seriously out of pocket!
Scammers carrying out these frauds typically use automated systems to dial mobile numbers – but the call lasts less than a second and so comes up as a missed call.
These types of calls will most often be from a number beginning 070 or 076 (which look like mobile numbers but cost considerably more to call) or from non-geographic numbers such as those beginning 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118.
The scammers often set up these numbers solely for the purpose of fleecing others.
Anyone who does call the number back is charged for as long as they’re on the phone – so think twice before returning a missed call from a number you don’t know, particularly if it features one of the above numbers.
Bear in mind that if someone genuinely needs to get hold of you, they will leave a voicemail or try again later.
If you’ve noticed a suspicious number;
• Remove the number from your call log so you don’t need to worry about dialling it accidentally, for example when your phone is in your pocket.
• You can also bar calls to international and premium rate numbers if you wish – speak to your mobile provider for advice on how to do this.
• If you believe you have fallen victim to a missed call scam, you should also contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
Awareness is key when it comes to tackling these fraudsters
