“Wangiri” is a term that originates from Japanese and roughly translates to “one ring and drop” in English. In the context of telecommunications and fraud, the term “Wangiri” is used to describe a type of phone scam.
In a Wangiri scam, individuals or automated systems make short, unsolicited phone calls to a large number of mobile phone numbers. The call typically rings just once or a few times before the caller hangs up. The intention is to entice the recipient to return the missed call, often to a premium-rate number, international number, or a number with high call charges.
When the targeted individual returns the call, they may be greeted by a recorded message or placed on hold, running up charges for the call. The scammer earns money through the premium rates or charges associated with the return call. “
