A
phone call with one ring that leaves no time to answer, we have all received
one: this is what is called a "ping call". The "ping call"
is a scam consisting of allowing no time to answer a call, prompting people to
call back.
If
you recall several times, you will receive an expensive bill at the end of the
month! This is because it is a surcharged number. Perhaps a difference of a few
euros on your monthly bill may not be a big deal. For the scammers, thousands
of calls makes them earn huge amounts of money!
The
technique is not new and has existed for several years. But, last November, the
French National Police warned consumers on its website about these scammers who
are now using new tricks to get people to call back. For example: they now use
numbers that appear "normal", those starting with 01, 02, 04, etc.,
rather than 0 899.
If
you call back, an operator will tell you you have won a gift and, in order to
receive your prize, you must call a “customer service” number (which is of
course overtaxed…).
The
scammer’s goal is simple: to make you spend as much time as possible on the
phone, to earn a maximum amount of money on every call. This is why they have
now replaced computers by humans passing thousands of phone calls every day. A
human conversation lasts longer…
How
can we avoid these scams?
If
no message is left on your answering machine, do not call back! If a caller
really wants to reach you, he will leave a message on your answering machine.
A
reporting platform was set up by the operators of the French Federation of
Telecoms. You can send a free SMS to 33 700 with the text "Voice Spam 01
XX XX XX XX" (indicating the suspect phone number) to this platform. You
will then receive an acknowledgment of receipt from the 33 700 number. Your
report will be forwarded to operators.
Do
not forget to make your relatives and friends aware of these “ping calls” and
always be wary of ads that make you think you have won something!
Matthieu
HOLLAENDER wants to work in consumer protection.
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