If the phone only rings once, it could be a so-called ping call. Be careful, don't call back under any circumstances.

The RTR (Rundfunk und Telekom Regels-GmbH) has been recording an increasing number of complaints about ping calls for a few days now. The phone numbers shown on the phone display begin with (+216), which is the area code for Tunisia and (+222), which is the area code for Mauritania.

What are ping calls?

Ping calls are canceled after just one ring (English: “ping”). The phone number is shown on the phone display. This is intended to entice those called to call back.

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Why are recalls expensive?

Phone numbers hidden behind ping calls are expensive foreign numbers or satellite phone numbers. You are kept in a waiting queue. The per-minute fee is high; the longer the telephone connection is open, the higher the amount will be charged.

What can I do about ping calls?

If you answer a ping call, nothing can happen and there are no costs. But don't call back under any circumstances. If you receive repeated ping calls, this would be a possible defensive measure.

Modern smartphones often offer the option (integrated into the operating system or using their own apps) to suppress incoming phone calls to certain numbers.

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Report phone number misuse at rufnummernverkehrs.at

Telephone number ranges that are used improperly are listed at rufnummernverkehrs.at. There you will also find a form that you can use to report suspicious numbers to us. This allows us to always keep the list of affected area codes up to date, detect ping waves in a timely manner and inform the population.

About RTR
The “Rundfunk und Telekom Regels-GmbH” (RTR) is 100 percent owned by the federal government. Its core tasks are to promote competition in the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal markets and to achieve the goals defined in the KommAustria and Telecommunications Act. It is headed by two managing directors and is divided into the two departments “Media” (Oliver Stribl) and “Telecommunications and Post” (Klaus M. Steinmaurer).

As an office, it supports the Austrian Communications Authority (KommAustria), the Telekom Control Commission (TKK) and the Post Control Commission (PCK). With the funds it manages, RTR supports projects in the broadcasting and media sectors. RTR also offers out-of-court dispute resolution procedures in both specialist areas, including with its state-recognized consumer arbitration boards.

You might also be interested in: How to protect yourself from ping calls

Source: RTR
Article image: The Faces / Shutterstock


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