Missed calls from foreign numbers meant to make you call back
Your phone rings once or twice from an international number and stops, in the hope that you call back and run up high charges or get drawn into a scam.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- You get one or several missed calls, often at odd hours, from a number that starts with a country code other than +91.
- The phone rings only once or twice, so you cannot answer in time and you feel curious or worried about who it was.
- If you call back, you may be connected to a premium-rate line that charges very high rates per minute, or to someone who says you have won a prize or tries to pull you into another scam.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Missed call from +XX XXX XXX XX19 at 2:14 am (rang once and stopped, then two more missed calls from similar numbers)
(Recorded message when you call back) Congratulations, your number has been selected in our international lucky draw. Please stay on the line to claim your prize.
Red flags
- Number does not start with +91
- Rings once or twice, then stops
- Missed calls at odd hours
- Several missed calls from similar numbers
The one question to ask
Do you know anyone in that country who would call you at this hour?
Already paid or shared details?
If you paid anyone or shared bank details on the call, call 1930 at once and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. If your prepaid balance dropped or your bill shows charges for calling back, raise it with your mobile operator through its official app, and ask it to turn off international calling if you do not use it. Report the number on Chakshu at sancharsaathi.gov.in.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- SMS saying you won a prize, with a number to call
- Missed WhatsApp calls from foreign numbers, followed by a job offer