Kuwait warns of surge in wangiri scam targeting mobile users with missed international calls

Authorities in Kuwait have reported a sharp increase in suspicious international phone calls targeting citizens and residents, warning that the activity is linked to an organised global cyber fraud network.

Security officials say many of the calls follow a consistent pattern in which the phone rings only once before disconnecting. This technique, widely known as the “Wangiri Scam” — meaning “one ring and cut” — is designed to lure recipients into calling back the missed number.

Investigators explain that fraudsters use automated systems to place large volumes of calls across multiple countries. When victims return the call, they are often connected to premium-rate international lines, resulting in high per-minute charges that can quickly accumulate without the user’s knowledge.

In some cases, scammers keep victims on the line using recorded messages or repeated call transfers to extend call duration and increase billing. Authorities also noted that certain variants of the scam involve attempts to record users’ voices, which may later be misused for identity fraud or unauthorised financial transactions.

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Kuwaiti officials have further warned of follow-up SMS messages sent after missed calls, often containing deceptive links disguised as delivery updates, banking alerts, or service notifications. Clicking on these links may compromise mobile devices or lead to theft of personal data.

While the calls may appear to originate from nearby countries, investigations suggest they are frequently routed through international networks spanning regions in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Pacific island states.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious, avoid returning unknown international calls, and immediately block suspicious numbers. Users are also advised not to open links from unfamiliar senders and to report potential scam attempts to telecom operators or cybercrime units.

Officials emphasized that even a single missed call can be part of a broader coordinated cyber fraud operation.