Recently my wife and I have seen missed calls from a number with country code +236 (Central Africa) and we do not know anyone from there or visiting. We discussed it friends who have had an almost identical experience. There is obviously something nefarious going on but what is it?
Missed Calls From Central Africa - Is This a Scam?
jhmtaylor on 28/05/2018 - 16:16
Last edited 28/05/2018 - 16:44 by 1 other user
Last edited 28/05/2018 - 16:44 by 1 other user
Comments
Nothing good for sure. Just move on.
I'd recommend using Reverse Australia to input the number and see if there are any results from others having the same issue.
Probably a scam.
But you'll never know for sure unless you answer the call and go along with itWasn't 236 76 16 65 58 by any chance? I had a missed call yesterday. Ignore and move on.
Yes, I have ignored calls from:
236 76 16 68 48 and
236 76 16 63 08
in the last few weeks.Unless Tattslotto has outsourced to Central Africa????
Move on mate
As others have mentioned, just ignore the calls as there's no point in trying to block them.
They are trying to get you to return the call - then make money because its some sort of premium phone service.
http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/cons…blaircam, thanks for that. I can now see that is how the scam works.
They rely on people returning missed calls.
Don't know in this case but, apparently, these can be premium numbers and you get stung when you dial back. Otherwise could be a scammer trying to talk you into whatever the latest sting is. I agree with the others, just ignore it and move on.
Congratulations! You've just been elected as Prince of Nigeria.
Please transfer $1m to arrange your inauguration.
don't worry you'll get lots.. I have in the last 6 months received calls from
- Slovenia
- ivory coast
- Mauritius
- UK
- Trinidad and Tobago
- democratic republic of congo
- Seychellesthey all ring for a few seconds leaving you multiple missed calls.
today I got one with a chinese recorded message from a local mobile number
Lol i ended up having the same Chinese call googled it and found it was registered to some place from Canberra. :)
Apparently the Chinese language ones are a different scam - they're apparently pretending from the Chinese consulate or other agency, threatening that the recipient needs to pay a fine or something.
https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/security/been-gett…
“We have offenders contacting victims on the phone purporting to be from the Chinese Embassy, and saying victims either committed an offence or had their identity stolen. As a result, victims are asked to pay fines or a debt,” Financial Crimes Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett told a conference on Wednesday afternoon.
It's a callback scam y'all!
In most cases they're trying to record your 'voiceprint' so they can use it as a means to commit identity fraud.
I received a call from 236 also. I now received at least one call a week from numbers all over the world - rings a few times and then hangs up.
Oh, and those calls are separate from the twice daily calls I receive from the thoughtful and caring reps. of Telstra in India warning of a problem with my internet.
You should've typed "Telstra" - these scammers have nothing to do with Telstra.
It was probably my rich uncle in Nigeria.
I will ask him to call you again so be sure to answer this time
Thanks for posting this question, as I also have a few missed calls from odd numbers. Will let my extended family know about this scam
I had a call from an Australian mobile number the other day and it was a recorded message in Chinese, had no idea what it was saying though. Anyone else had this?
yep it's doing the rounds https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/380872
been getting them for a few weeks now.
my mrs is chinese she says it's an old scam
I've been getting these calls from +236 (Central African Republic) lately too! Got the first one on Saturday night, and one last night. Not sure if I'll get one tonight but we'll see I guess.
I've been getting heaps of calls from telemarketers the past 12 months or so, always some arsewipe who asks me about my electricity bill.
Would love to block and ignore but they are calling from different numbers and often at 1am :/
If you live in Melbourne then it's probably just your local politician.
Maybe a lost cousin who is sharing your fair share of your mutual uncle's estate?
If they are not in your address book then dont answer.
It's that simpleHow come no one hasn't mentioned, could be wife's African Bf? Just to make sure, once you go black you don't go back :)
Of course these are scam calls. There is no way to stop them, I get called each day from various numbers between 4-8pm from overseas numbers, interstate numbers, mobile numbers. They are all unsolicited scammers from overseas call centres. I now use a free app called "Should I answer". It has a database of numbers that is updated on a regular basis based on negative/[positive feed back from users. You also rate numbers that call you as good or bad and the reason. I've found 100% accurate so far, it pops up with a rating and the type of call incoming. You choose if to answer of not knowing upfront who is calling. If your phone supports it, you can set it to autoanswer and hangup any blocked calls. Its been a great time saver for me and almost fun answering the odd black listed call to see if its correct….which it has been everytime!
it's my good mate Wotombo, he's a good man, don't worry
Might be the guys wanting their 2 mobiles back? South African Mafia?
BTW what was the result of that mobile drama?nigerian prince wants to give his inheritance to you
Assume yes. Move on.