Highlights

• Mobile users in India are targeted by the Premium Rate Service scam.
• It involves missed calls from international numbers leading to exorbitant charges when returned.
• Reliance Jio advises customers to never call back unknown international numbers to avoid high charges from premium rate services.
• Tips – Block suspicious numbers, avoid returning unknown calls, restrict international calls, spread awareness and report the scam to authorities.

Mobile users in India are being targeted by a growing phone scam involving missed calls from international numbers. Known as the Premium Rate Service scam, it tricks people into returning these calls, leading to exorbitant charges. Victims have reported bills running into thousands of rupees after returning seemingly harmless missed calls.

Reliance Jio, one of India’s largest telecom operators, has issued a strong advisory to its customers:

“Never call back unknown international numbers,” the company stated in an email. It also added, “These premium rate services can charge extremely high rates per minute, even for brief connections.”

How Premium Rate Service Scam Works?

Here’s how scammers lure users into falling for the trap:

• Missed Calls from International Numbers – Scammers make brief calls that disconnect quickly, leaving a missed call notification.
• Expensive Callbacks – When users return the call, they are connected to premium rate services, which charge hefty fees, sometimes hundreds of rupees per minute.

Signs of a Scam Call

Be on the lookout for these red flags:

• Calls from unknown international country codes.
• Extremely short ring durations.
• Calls received at odd hours such as late at night or early morning.
• Repeated calls from similar numbers.

How to Stay Safe From Such Scam Calls?

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to the scam:

• Block Suspicious Numbers – Use your phone’s blocking feature to stop calls from questionable numbers.
• Don’t Return Unknown Calls – Avoid calling back missed numbers with unfamiliar country codes unless you know the caller.
• Restrict International Calls – Ask your telecom provider to block outgoing international calls if you don’t need them.
• Spread Awareness – Share information about the scam with family and friends to keep them informed.
• Report the Scam – Notify local authorities and your telecom provider about suspicious calls and keep records of your call logs.

Telecom companies are working with international partners to track and block scam numbers. However, scammers frequently switch to new numbers, making it challenging to eliminate the threat entirely. Staying vigilant and informed is key to staying safe.

The Premium Rate Service scam isn’t unique to India and has been reported in multiple countries. Fraudsters exploit premium rate services to earn money, often operating across borders to evade detection. Despite efforts by telecom companies worldwide, scammers’ evolving tactics make this an ongoing issue.

What to Do If You’re a Victim Of Scam Call?

If you suspect you’ve been targeted –

• Contact your mobile service provider immediately to report unusual charges.
• Request a detailed billing review to identify fraudulent transactions.
• Dispute any unauthorized charges and ask your provider for additional protective measures.

Awareness is your best defence. Avoid returning missed calls from unknown international numbers and educate others about the risks. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard yourself from falling victim to this costly scam.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Premium Rate Service scam involving missed calls from international numbers?

Answer. The Premium Rate Service scam involves missed calls from international numbers that trick people into returning these calls, leading to exorbitant charges.

Q2. What advice has Reliance Jio given to its customers regarding scam calls?

Answer. Reliance Jio advises customers to never call back unknown international numbers as these premium rate services can charge extremely high rates per minute.

Q3. How can users protect themselves from the Premium Rate Service scam?

Answer. Users can protect themselves by blocking suspicious numbers, avoiding returning unknown calls, restricting international calls, spreading awareness and reporting scams to authorities.

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