SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
One Ring Call Phone Scam
SCARS Scam Basics
The Mysterious One Ring Call Phone Scam
Why Would Anyone Do This?
One Ring Call Phone Scam – Your phone rings once and the call stops.
If you answer all you hear is silence! You are tempted to call them back, but don’t do it!
The criminal (human or automation) on the other end hopes you call the number back to see who it was or what it was about. As soon as you do, you’ll hear a recorded message that is intended to keep you on the phone, or worse, to get you to call back a second time.
For example, the message may say: “Hello … hello? … I’m having trouble hearing you. Hello? … Will you please call back?”
What is the point? To get you to spend a huge amount in phone charges!
With this One Ring Call Phone Scam – every time you call, you will be charged international rates or other connection fees that can be anywhere from $10 to over $100 per call!
The criminals originating these calls make this money when you call back, even the phone companies make a percentage from it too as their fees!
A new example of how these criminals try to keep you on the phone is by telling you:
“You’ve received a song from someone who loves you. After listening to this song you will find out who sent this song as a gift.” The longer you stay on the call, the more you pay. And the more the phone scammers make.
These scams are also known as “Wangiri” that comes from Japan where the scam originated years ago and means one-ring-and-cut. (One ring and done.)
What You Should Do
The first rule of phone safety is DO NOT ANSWER calls from numbers you do not recognize.
This is good advice in general, because it can help protect you from other scams, such as tax scams, grandparent scams, and other spoofing scams.
If you receive a one-ring call from an unknown number, NEVER call that number back. No matter how curious you are, DO NOT RETURN THE CALL!
If you return to your phone and have a missed call from an unknown number, resist the urge to call it back.
Your curiosity will only end up getting you scammed!
You can no longer trust any called ID – everything can be faked. If someone you know really wants to reach you, they will text you or direct message you.
If you do return a missed call, watch for a + to appear ahead of the area code. The plus sign signals an international number and call being placed – which means international calling rates plus potential other charges beyond your control.
If accidentally returned a call on impulse, hang up immediately.
If you call and hear a strange message, one similar to the example above, hang up immediately. The longer you stay on the line, the more you are being charged for the call.
Also, your phone company will not help you. It is up to you to avoid scams, but we are here to help.
If you get one of these call you can report the phone number on www.Anyscam.com (look for the PHONE NUMBER REPORT)
TAGS: SCARS, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Scam Victims, Online Fraud, Online Crime Is Real Crime, Scam Avoidance, Wangiri Scam, One Ring Call Scam, Phone Scam, International Rate Scams
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By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A Worldwide Crime Victims Assistance & Crime Prevention Nonprofit Organization Headquartered In Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with Partners In More Than 60 Countries
To Learn More, Volunteer, or Donate Visit: www.AgainstScams.org
Contact Us: Contact@AgainstScams.org
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Table of Contents
- Why Would Anyone Do This?
- What is the point? To get you to spend a huge amount in phone charges!
- Your curiosity will only end up getting you scammed!
- If accidentally returned a call on impulse, hang up immediately.
- PLEASE SHARE OUR ARTICLES WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY
- By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. - The Issue Of Race In Scam Reporting
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ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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