Received a call from an international number? 


That missed call might be one you can skip returning. 

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) alerts customers about the so-called ‘wangiri fraud’ or ‘one-ring phone scam’.


 “Once the victim calls the number, they’re charged excessively high per-minute rates. To prolong the call, some of these lines play recorded messages or hold music, engage customers in fake conversations or activate interactive voice recordings,” warned Atty. Roy Ibay, VP and Head of Regulatory Affairs at Smart and Lead Convenor, Protecta Pilipinas Public-Private Technology & Telecom Alliance.


 ‘Wangiri’ originated in Japan in the early 2000s. 

The term describes the modus. 

‘Wan’ is a play on the word ‘one,’ while ‘giri’ means ‘to cut’ or ‘hang up.’ 

Using a premium, often international number, scammers call their victims and then intentionally drop the call after one ring, just long enough to register a missed call.

Scammers have also deployed auto dialers or robocallers to dial random phone numbers. They also use caller ID spoofing to deceive victims into thinking they are receiving a call from a legitimate organization.

Victims, intrigued by an ‘overseas’ call, frequently feel compelled to return the call. However, doing so results in them incurring steep charges for contacting a premium-rate line.

“The golden rule is to resist the urge to call unknown numbers. If it’s a legitimate call, the caller can send a text message or leave a voicemail. Remember, if the number looks suspicious, better block it immediately,” reminded Atty. Ibay.

Customers can also search the suspicious number on the internet to find out if it is being used in fraudulent activities.

Be aware of the Philippines’ country code. Calls coming from the Philippines often begin with the prefix ‘+63’ whether these are landline or mobile numbers.

Smartphones also come with call-blocking tools. Android and iOS operating systems have built-in features that filter scam calls. There are also third-party call filter applications that users can install to identify and block spam numbers.

Smart customers are also encouraged to report suspicious calls at *888.