Authorities in Kuwait have observed a significant increase in suspicious international phone calls targeting both citizens and residents. These calls have been connected to a sophisticated global cyber fraud network operating with a distinct modus operandi.
Security officials explained that many of these calls exhibit a recognizable pattern: the phone rings once or briefly before disconnecting, a method commonly known as the Wangiri Scam, which translates to “one ring and cut.” Fraudsters employ automated systems to generate thousands of such calls worldwide.
When recipients return these missed calls, they are often redirected to premium-rate international numbers, incurring hefty per-minute charges that can accumulate rapidly without the caller’s knowledge. In some instances, victims are kept on the line through pre-recorded messages or multiple call transfers designed to maximize billing.
Other scam variants involve attempts to capture the victim’s voice, which may later be misused for fraudulent authorizations or financial transactions. Kuwaiti authorities have also issued warnings about follow-up text messages sent by scammers. These messages frequently contain malicious links disguised as delivery updates or account alerts, which, if clicked, can compromise mobile devices or lead to the theft of sensitive personal data.
Although these calls often appear to originate from neighboring countries, investigations reveal that they are typically routed through regions including Africa, Eastern Europe, and Pacific island nations.
In a significant development, officials have urged residents to exercise caution by avoiding unknown international calls, ignoring single-ring calls, and refraining from returning suspicious missed calls. They also recommend not clicking on links from unfamiliar numbers and blocking any suspicious contacts immediately.
Authorities emphasized that even seemingly harmless calls could be part of a broader, coordinated cybercrime scheme, highlighting the importance of vigilance to protect personal and financial security.
