India’s rapid growth in mobile phone usage has brought with it a new generation of scams, many specifically targeting the elderly. One such scam, often overlooked in mainstream discussions but alarmingly prevalent across the country, is the “missed call” scam—locally referred to as the “one-ring scam” or “wangiri scam.” While often considered less sophisticated than online phishing or UPI frauds, missed call scams continue to siphon money from unsuspecting victims in both urban and rural areas.
What Is The Missed Call Scam?
The scam unfolds in a deceptively simple manner: fraudsters from domestic or, often, international phone numbers give a single ring to potential victims, deliberately disconnecting before the call is answered. The target, curious about the missed call (which may appear to come from a legitimate or local-looking number), calls back—either to a premium-rate international line or to an automated system designed to keep them on the call as long as possible.
These numbers often use prefixes that appear similar to Indian mobile codes but are, in fact, costly international lines (commonly beginning with +92, +375, +216, etc.). Calling these numbers can result in exorbitant deduction of call charges or subscription to costly value-added services—sometimes without the victim’s explicit consent.
How Widespread Is The Problem?
In recent years, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and major telecom providers have raised multiple alerts about the surge in missed call frauds. According to a 2023 TRAI report, over 40 million cases of suspicious missed calls were identified across the country in that year alone, with an estimated financial loss running into several crores of rupees. Data from the Telecom Consumer Complaint Monitoring System (TCCMS) shows that seniors and less tech-savvy users are disproportionately affected, often because they are more likely to respond to unknown numbers seeking family contact or emergency news.
How To Identify A Missed Call Scam
– Foreign or Unusual Prefixes: Look out for numbers starting with international codes like +92 (Pakistan), +375 (Belarus), or +216 (Tunisia). These are often flagged as scam sources by Indian authorities.
– Repeated Missed Calls: Fraudsters sometimes call repeatedly, increasing the target’s anxiety or curiosity and likelihood of calling back.
– Silence or Automated Messages: If you accidentally return the call, you may either hear silence or be placed on hold with music or generic automated responses.
– Unexpected Account Deductions: Some victims notice unusual deductions or subscriptions in their mobile bills after returning such calls.
Why Are Seniors Most At Risk?
Seniors, particularly those living alone or with distant families, may be more inclined to respond to missed calls from unknown numbers. The emotional motivation to stay connected, combined with less familiarity with telecom fraud tactics, makes them prime targets for these scams.
Protecting Yourself And Loved Ones
Awareness is the most potent weapon against missed call scams. Here are a few simple practices:
– Never return calls to unknown international numbers.
– Register your number with DND (Do Not Disturb) to reduce unsolicited calls.
– Educate friends and family members, especially elders, about this scam—show them how to check call logs for suspicious patterns.
– Monitor phone bills for any unexplained charges or subscriptions.
Stay Informed
At Eldersave, we are dedicated to helping seniors in India live more securely and confidently in an increasingly digital world.
Our services include:
– Cutting edge AI powered scam detectors
– Educational resources about common scams and fraud prevention
– Practical tips to protect personal data and finances
– Regular updates on new and emerging threats targeting elders
We believe that awareness and preparedness are the strongest defenses against fraud.
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