Three warns all Android and iPhone users over ‘wangiri’ call that empties your bank – how to spot the signs
AN OFFICIAL warning from Three reveals the dangers of a sinister scam known as "wangiri".
It can strike at any time and rack up massive bills – draining your bank for the gain of cyber-crooks.
In a Three security memo, it's revealed how the scam targets customers all around the world.
But thankfully it's easy to protect yourself if you know the warning signs.
Three warned that the scam is so severe, it "could leave you seriously missing some cash".
"‘Wangiri’ is a Japanese word meaning ‘one ring and drop’. And a Wangiri call does just that," Three explained.
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"Calls usually cut off just as the phone rings, leaving a missed call message from an international, or unusual number.
"Calling back can be tempting – you want to find out who was calling, right?
"But if you do, chances are that you’ll be routed to an expensive, premium rate service."
Many mobile services – including Three – actively block these calls.
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But Three admits that some may slip through the net, and that's why you need to know what to do.
The best advice is to never answer any unexpected phone calls from international or unusual numbers.
If you've missed a call like that, Three said that you shouldn't be tempted to call them back.
They may even leave a voicemail asking for a return call.
But if it seems suspicious, it's best to simply ignore it.
You can report these sinister calls be texting CALL to 7726.
And then you can reply with the number you're receiving these nuisance calls from, kickstarting an investigation.