ANYONE with a smartphone must beware costly calls that silently drain your bank account.
Ofcom is warning smartphone users over a common and shockingly simple con that leaves you “out of pocket”.
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It’s known as the “missed call” scam, and it’s often totally automated.
This allows crooks to sit back and relax while your bank is raided by a scam phone call.
These automated systems will dial your phone number than end after a single ring – appearing as a missed call on your iPhone or Android.
“Anyone who does call the number back is charged for as long as they’re on the phone,” Ofcom warned in an official security memo.
The scam is popular because it’s so easy to target a large number of potential victims.
It might seem harmless to dial a missed call back, but it’s a very bad idea.
Once you call back, you’ll find yourself charged for ringing a premium number.
“If you receive a missed call from a number you don’t recognise, think twice before calling back,” Ofcom said.
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“Particular care should be taken when responding to calls from unknown numbers beginning with 070/076, 084/087, 090/091 or 118.
“Genuine callers will leave a voicemail or call back later.”
The scam is particularly dangerous because victims won’t immediately realise what’s happening.
They may be forced to listen to an extended pre-recorded voice message – or even tap through number options.
The goal is to keep you on the line for as long as possible.
That way crooks can maximise their profits at your expense.
According to Ofcom, the best advice is to simply avoid calling unknown numbers back.
But there are some other tricks that you can employ.
“To prevent making accidental or inadvertent calls (such as dialling a number when your phone is in your pocket or bag, for example), remove the suspicious number from your call log,” Ofcom warned.
“You can also bar calls to international and premium rate numbers. Speak to your provider for advice on how to do this.”
