Unwanted Calls From Bolivia: Why And How To Stop Them

If you're getting calls from Bolivia, it's likely that you're being targeted by a scam. In 2018, there were reports of a wangiri scam—a Japanese term meaning one ring and cut—targeting people in Kerala, India. People reported receiving missed calls from Bolivian phone numbers, which, when called back, charged the victim a premium rate. If you receive a call from an unknown number in Bolivia, it is best to ignore it and block the number.

I'm getting calls from Bolivia—what is the country code?

If you're getting calls from Bolivia and don't know anyone there, it's likely that you're being targeted by a scam. The scammer will leave a missed call, and when the call is returned, the victim gets charged at premium rates. This is known as the 'Wangiri' scam, a Japanese term which means 'one and cut'.

To avoid being a victim of this scam, the best thing to do is not answer these calls or return them. You can also block the number on your phone. If you have received calls from Bolivia and are unsure if you have been a victim of fraud, you can contact your local police or TRAI's complaint redressal portal.

If you are expecting a call from Bolivia, the country calling code is +591. To call Bolivia from another country, you need to dial your exit code, then Bolivia's country code, then the city code, and finally the phone number. For example, if you are calling from the United States to Santa Cruz, you would dial 011-591-3-XXXXXXX.

How do I block calls from Bolivia?

If you are receiving scam calls from Bolivia, the best course of action is to block the number. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to block calls from Bolivia:

• Identify the number: Before blocking the number, make sure you know the specific number or numbers that are calling you from Bolivia. This will help you target the correct number when blocking.
• Use your phone settings: Access your phone's settings and look for the option to block numbers. The process may vary depending on your device and operating system. Typically, you can find this feature in the "Phone" or "Calls" section of your settings.
• Block the number: Once you have located the blocking feature, follow the instructions provided by your device. You will need to input the Bolivian number or numbers you wish to block. Make sure to include the country code for Bolivia, which is 591, before the specific number. For example, a blocked number from Bolivia may look like this: 011-591-3-XXXXXXX (for a landline) or 011-591-XXXXXXX (for a mobile number).
• Block international calls: If you do not need to receive international calls, you can consider blocking all incoming calls from outside your country. This can be done through your phone settings or by contacting your phone service provider for assistance.
• Report the scam: If you continue to receive scam calls or if you have fallen victim to this scam, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities. Contact your local police department or the cybercrime division to file a complaint. Additionally, you can reach out to consumer protection agencies or telecommunications regulatory bodies to report the scam.
• Spread awareness: Share your experience with others to help them identify and avoid such scams. You can use social media platforms or community groups to warn others about the missed call scam from Bolivia.

By following these steps, you can effectively block calls from Bolivia and protect yourself from potential scams. Remember to stay vigilant and cautious when dealing with unfamiliar international numbers.

What is the Wangiri scam?

The Wangiri scam is a type of telephone scam that defrauds victims through premium-rate phone calls. The term "Wangiri" is derived from the Japanese words "one ring and drop" or ""one and cut", reflecting the nature of the scam.

In a typical Wangiri scam, fraudsters call potential victims from a premium-rate number but hang up after one ring or a very short duration, intending to generate a missed call. Driven by curiosity or concern, victims often return the missed call. As soon as they are connected, they are unknowingly charged a premium rate, with the fraudsters pocketing the fees. This scam is lucrative for fraudsters, costing telephone companies over $1.8 billion annually.

To maximize profits, fraudsters employ various tactics to keep victims on the line for extended periods. They may use recorded messages, automated music, or even deploy individuals to engage in conversations with callers. The longer the victim stays on the call, the higher the premium-rate fees incurred, resulting in greater profits for the scammers.

The Wangiri scam is relatively easy to execute, requiring only a premium-rate number, access to target phone numbers, and optionally, technology to automate the process. This simplicity makes it challenging to eradicate, and fraudsters can quickly launch new scams if their previous attempts are detected.

To protect against Wangiri fraud, individuals should be cautious of unexpected calls from international numbers. It is advisable to search for unknown missed call numbers online before returning the call. Additionally, using caller identification apps and reporting suspicious numbers to carriers can help identify and block potential scam calls.

How can I report scam calls from Bolivia?

If you are receiving scam calls from Bolivia, there are several steps you can take to report and put a stop to them.

Firstly, it is important to recognise the scam. One common scam from Bolivia involves receiving a missed call from a Bolivian number. When the recipient calls back, they are charged a premium rate. This scam is known as 'Wangiri', a Japanese term meaning 'one and cut'. The best way to deal with this scam is to not answer the calls or return them. You can also block the numbers on your phone.

If you have fallen victim to this scam and have been charged money, you can file a complaint with your local police or with TRAI's complaint redressal portal. Additionally, you can contact your phone operator and ask them about the procedure for reporting scam calls. They may be able to block the numbers for you or provide other technical solutions.

It is also worth spreading awareness about these scams to your community and warning others not to return the calls. Social media and local news platforms can be useful tools for spreading awareness.

Remember to always be cautious when dealing with unknown international callers and consider the possibility that the call may be a scam.

What is the time difference between Bolivia and my country?

If you're getting calls from Bolivia, it could be a scam. In particular, be wary of calls from numbers starting with the international code +591, which is the country code for Bolivia. This is a well-known scam in which the scammer leaves a missed call and when the call is returned, the victim gets charged at premium rates.

Now, regarding the time difference between Bolivia and your country, it depends on which country you're in. Bolivia Time (BOT) is UTC/GMT -4 hours and Bolivia does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Here are some examples of the time difference between Bolivia and other countries:

• If you're in the United States, the time difference depends on the time zone you're in. For example, if you're in Washington DC, Bolivia is currently 1 hour ahead.
• If you're in the United Kingdom, Bolivia is currently 5 hours behind.
• If you're in India, Bolivia is currently 9 hours and 30 minutes behind.
• If you're in Australia, Bolivia is currently 14 hours behind.

To determine the exact time difference between Bolivia and your country, you can use an online time zone converter or look up the current local time in Bolivia and your country. Remember that Bolivia does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time difference may change depending on the time of year if your country does observe Daylight Saving Time.

Frequently asked questions