Unsolicited Calls From Azerbaijan: Why Am I Getting These?

If you've been receiving scam calls from Azerbaijan, you're not alone. This is a common occurrence, known as the One Ring Scam, which has been around since the early 2000s. The scammer will call you once and then disconnect, prompting you to call back. When you do, you'll be charged high international rates or other connection fees, which the scammer gets a commission from. The best course of action is to not answer these calls and block the numbers. You can also contact your phone provider to let them know about the situation.

The 'One Ring Scam'

The "One Ring" scam, also known as "Wangiri", which is Japanese for "one ring and cut", is a phone scam where scammers will let the phone ring once and then disconnect the call. The scammer hopes that the recipient will call back and rack up charges. The scammer will hire an international premium rate number (IPRN) from a local phone company. When the recipient calls back, they will be connected to a phone number outside their country and will be charged a fee for connecting, along with significant per-minute fees for as long as the scammer can keep them on the phone. These charges may show up on the bill as premium services, international calling, or toll-calling.

Scammers often use international numbers from regions that have three-digit codes, such as "232" for Sierra Leone and "809" for the Dominican Republic. They may also use spoofing techniques to mask the number on the recipient's caller ID display.

To protect yourself from the "One Ring" scam, do not answer or return calls from unknown numbers. Before calling unfamiliar numbers, check to see if the area code is international. If you do not make international calls, ask your phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line. Always be cautious, even if a number appears authentic.

How the scam works

The scammer will hire an international premium rate number (IPRN) from a local phone company. They will then call you and disconnect after one ring, hoping that you will think you missed an important call and call back. When you call back, you will be connected to the IPRN, and will be charged a high international rate or other connection fees. The longer you stay on the call, the more you pay. The scammer gets all or part of those fees.

The scammer may also play a recorded message intended to keep you on the phone or 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?" Alternatively, they might say: "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."

In some cases, these scam numbers will redirect your call to other very expensive numbers which offer adult content. The longer you stay on the call, the higher the charges will be.

Why scammers do it

Scammers use the element of surprise to trick unsuspecting victims into giving up their money. The Wangiri scam, which originated in Japan, is a one-ring scam where scammers will call unsuspecting victims, let the phone ring once or twice, and then hang up. The scammers hope that the victim will be curious enough to call back. When the victim calls back, they are connected to a premium rate number, which charges a high connection fee. The scammers then earn a commission from the phone company for every incoming call.

The scam has been adapted over the years, with some scammers now using international numbers to add an extra layer of intrigue and increase the potential connection fees. Scammers may also use international numbers to target specific demographics, such as business professionals who are more likely to have international contacts.

In addition, scammers may use international numbers to take advantage of time zone differences. For example, they may place calls from countries that are several hours ahead, ensuring that their calls go through in the early morning hours when people are more likely to be asleep and less vigilant.

Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to trick people, and the Wangiri scam is just one of many phone scams out there. It's important to stay vigilant and be cautious of any unexpected or unknown numbers, especially those from international sources.

How to avoid it

If you are receiving scam calls from Azerbaijan, here are some ways to avoid them:

• Do not pick up calls from international numbers that are not saved in your contacts.
• Pay special attention to calls from countries that are known for these scams, such as African and former USSR countries.
• If you are expecting a call from an international number, ask the person to send you the number via WhatsApp, SMS, or email first and save it in your phone book.
• Do not call back if you miss a suspected scam call.
• If you are unsure about the origin of the call, look up the country code on Google.
• Use mobile apps like TrueCaller to identify unknown numbers.
• Report all suspicious calls to your phone operator.
• Use call-blocking apps to block specific numbers or entire country codes.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can be targeted by the "One Ring Scam", however, those who are most at risk are those who are unaware of the scam and are more likely to call back unknown international numbers. This includes the elderly, children, and those who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, those who have family or friends living in foreign countries may be more inclined to call back, as they may believe the call is from their loved ones.

The best way to protect yourself and others from this scam is to never answer or return calls from unknown international numbers. If you are expecting a call from a certain country, it is recommended to first receive the phone number through WhatsApp, SMS, or email and save it in your phone book. You can also use mobile apps like TrueCaller to identify unknown numbers.

Frequently asked questions