Missed Call Scams: Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever glanced at your phone to see a missed call from an unknown number, only to hesitate about calling back? You’re not alone—and it’s not surprising when you consider these statistics from 2024:
- Landline calls: According to Ofcom, 21% of people receive a suspicious call on their landline at least once a week, 4% every day, and 63% of all landline calls are from unrecognised, unknown, or withheld numbers.
- Mobile calls: Ofcom also found that 18% of people receive suspicious mobile calls at least once a week, 6% every day, with 72% of these being unrecognised, unknown, or withheld.
- Telephone fraud: A University of Portsmouth study revealed that 75% of all fraud in the UK is conducted via telephone.
This volume of suspicious calls fosters a sense of uncertainty—the exact weakness that scammers exploit. Among the most cunning tactics is the missed call scam, also known as “Wangiri,” a Japanese term meaning “one ring and cut.” Criminals deliberately let the phone ring briefly, hoping you’ll be curious enough to call back a premium-rate number and rack up hefty charges.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to spot missed call scams, explore the latest tricks scammers use, and share practical steps to protect yourself moving forward.

Quick-win tips to protect yourself
Before we jump into all the details, here are five fast, actionable steps you can take right now:
- Never call back unknown numbers
If it’s important and legitimate, they’ll usually leave a voicemail or try another method - Verify before dialing
Run the number through a service like Who Called Me to see if it’s been flagged as a scam. - Stay alert for premium-rate codes
Watch out for unfamiliar area codes or any numbers starting with 084, 087, 090, 091, or 118. - Use call-blocking technology
Real-time call blocking (like Phonely’s CallGuard) automatically identifies and blocks scam calls. - Report suspicious calls
If you suspect a scam, report it to Ofcom or FAS (Friends Against Scams) and Who Called Me to share your experience to raise awareness and get them stopped.

What are missed call scams & how do they work?
Missed call scams occur when scammers leave a missed call on your phone from a number you may or may not recognise. They prey on people’s natural inclination to return missed calls, especially those from seemingly local or familiar numbers. Here’s how it unfolds:
The bait
You receive a missed call from an unfamiliar number. It might display a local area code or even appear to be from a friend’s number through spoofing (more on that later).
The hook
Curiosity sets in. You wonder who it could be and why they called. Is it important? Should you call them back? If so, when? Now? Later? You just can’t stop thinking about it! And this is what the scammers want.
The sting
You call back, unknowingly connecting to a premium-rate number. The longer you stay on the line, the more money the scammers steal. These calls can be costly, racking up charges of hundreds of pounds.
In some variations, scammers might leave a brief voicemail urging you to call back for an urgent message or a missed opportunity. Don’t believe it, it’s all a rouse! These are simply tactics to heighten your curiosity and pressure you into returning the call.

Signs of a missed call scam
Whether you use a mobile device, a home VoIP phone or are still using your trusty copper-wire-based landline, there are a few red flags to look out for. After all, not all missed calls are created equally.
Quick calls:
Scammers usually let the phone ring just once or twice, ensuring you see you’ve missed a call but don’t have time to answer. This piques your curiosity and makes you more likely to call back.
Numbers resembling mobiles:
Scammers sometimes use numbers that look like regular mobile numbers (e.g., starting with 070 or 076) but are actually premium-rate numbers with hidden costs.
Unknown area codes:
If you notice a missed call from a number with an unfamiliar area code always be cautious. Scammers often use non-geographic numbers such as 084, 087, 090, 091 or 118 to lure you into calling them back.
International area codes:
If you receive missed calls from unknown international numbers, for example, +267, +224, or +592 it’s most likely a scam.

Common country codes used in missed call scams
Missed call scams often use international country codes to disguise their true origin, making it harder for victims to recognise fraudulent numbers. Scammers typically choose country codes that are less familiar to the average person or resemble local numbers, increasing the chances that recipients will return the call out of curiosity. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly abused country codes in missed call scams:
1. +44 – United Kingdom
2. +1 – United States/Canada
3. +61 – Australia
4. +49 – Germany
5. +81 – Japan
6. +852 – Hong Kong
7. +86 – China
8. +234 – Nigeria
9. +27 – South Africa
10. +82 – South Korea
Why these country codes?
Scammers choose these international prefixes for several reasons:
- Legitimacy: International numbers can appear more credible, especially if the country is known for reputable businesses or technological advancements.
- Confusion: Unfamiliarity with certain country codes can lead to uncertainty, prompting victims to return calls without verifying the number’s legitimacy.
- Accessibility: Some international numbers allow scammers to bypass local call blocking measures more easily, increasing their reach.
The nasty extras: Spoofing & phishing
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. Here are two additional tricks to be aware of in respect of phone scams:
What is number spoofing?
This involves manipulating caller ID to make it seem like the call is coming from a familiar number, such as a friend, family member, or even a local business.
What is phishing?
After you return a missed call scam, the scammer might try to engage you in conversation to obtain personal information like your bank details or login credentials.
Implications of returning a scam call
Returning a call to a scam number can have several negative outcomes:
- High charges: Premium-rate numbers can leave you with a shockingly high phone bill to the tune of hundreds of pounds for that one call.
- Personal information risk: You may inadvertently share personal details if scammers try to chat with you.
- Continued targeting: Once you call back, scammers know you’re more likely to respond in the future.

How to protect yourself from missed call scams: Fight back!
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to identify missed call scams, here are some suggestions of practical steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Don’t call back: Avoid returning calls to unknown or unrecognised numbers. If it’s important, the caller will find another way to reach you.
- Verify the number: Use free online tools like the Who Called Me service to check if others have flagged the number as suspicious.
- Enable call blocking: Automated, real-time call-blocking tools keep you a step ahead of constantly changing scam numbers.
Additional tips for staying safe
There are several other measures, some free, that can further protect you from phone scams:
- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS): This free service helps reduce unwanted calls. However, it only blocks legitimate businesses from sales or marketing calls.
- Use your phone’s built-in features: Most modern phones have options to block or report suspicious numbers. Although it has its holes, it’s a simple way to add a light layer of protection.
- Beware of urgent messages: Scammers often use urgency as a tactic to pressure you into action. If an unknown caller insists you call back immediately, it’s a warning sign.
- Never share personal information: Avoid sharing personal and sensitive details with unknown callers.
- Report scams: If you believe you’ve been targeted by a missed call scam (or scam of any kind), report it to the relevant authorities and share your experience with others to help raise awareness.

FAQs:
Can someone hack my bank account with my phone number?
While direct hacking through a phone call is rare, scammers can use information obtained through missed call scams to target you with phishing attempts or other fraudulent activities.
Can I stop my number from being spoofed?
Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to prevent your number from being spoofed. However, reporting such incidents to your phone provider and using services like Phonely’s CallGuard can help reduce the risk.
How can I find out who this phone number belongs to?
Phonely’s Who Called Me service is a valuable tool for identifying unknown numbers and checking for reported scams. A simple Google can also be useful.
What happens if I answer a spam call and say hello?
Answering a spam call and engaging with the caller can increase your chances of falling victim to further scams. It’s best to hang up immediately.
I keep getting random mobile numbers calling me, what can I do?
If you think these are scam calls, it is best to report them. With Phonely you can block an unlimited amount of numbers, so you can stop recurring missed calls from numbers you do not know.

UK government efforts to combat missed call scams
The UK government is taking steps to tackle phone scams. Ofcom has introduced measures to block fraudulent numbers and is working with telecom providers to prevent scammers from spoofing legitimate numbers. These initiatives, combined with services like CallGuard, provide better protection than ever before.
Conclusion: How to outsmart missed call scams
Missed call scams, or “Wangiri,” exploit our natural impulse to return a missed call—often to a premium-rate number. As you’ve read, Ofcom data shows many people receive suspicious calls every week, and a University of Portsmouth study reveals 75% of all UK fraud happens via telephone, making vigilance and protection more important than ever.
Recognizing the warning signs—such as a single-ring call, a voicemail urging immediate action, or a spoofed caller ID—can prevent hefty charges and protect your personal information. Simple steps like avoiding call-backs to unknown numbers, reporting suspicious activity, and verifying numbers with tools like Who Called Me greatly reduce the risk. Meanwhile, real-time automatic call blocking services, such as Phonely’s CallGuard, add an extra layer of defence, especially as scammers constantly evolve their methods and change numbers daily.
Staying informed is equally crucial; phone scammers rely on confusion and curiosity to succeed. By learning to spot red flags, using reliable technology, and sharing your experiences with others, you contribute to a wider community effort to combat fraud. Ultimately, when you combine everyday caution with robust call blocking solutions, you can outsmart missed call scams and take control of your phone line once and for all.