Recently, there have been reports of ongoing fraud stemming from overseas-based numbers that result in expensive long distance charges for the victim.
How it works
The victim will receive a call from an overseas number that will ring once or twice or just long enough for the number to appear on their caller ID. These numbers are premium-rate overseas phone numbers that charge high rates on top of your normal long distance rate. The intent is for you to return the call. Once the scammer has you on the line, they will try to make you stay on the call for as long as possible to run up the charges.
What You Can Do
Don’t call back. If it’s a number you don’t recognize, confirm that it’s someone you know. Most of these numbers originate overseas.
Identify the country by googling the first few 2-3 digits of the phone number. If you do know someone from that country but you’re still unsure, confirm with the person through email, Facebook, Whatsapp, etc, first.
What TELUS is Doing
When phoning countries known for Wangiri fraud, callers will hear a message warning about the possibility of additional charges.
Our Fraud Management team is actively looking for and blocking specific international number ranges to protect you.
Have more questions? Contact us.
