The cell phone rings, a phone number from the Maldives appears on the display, after just one ring the call is over: This is a so-called PING call. Anyone who calls back must expect high costs.
What happens when you get a call like this from the Maldives?
Fraudsters dial any telephone number from the landline or cell phone. The phone only rings once, or a maximum of twice, then the caller hangs up.
Ping calls
Behind the scam are so-called “ping calls”. These are computer programs that randomly dial telephone numbers. The fraudsters want to force a callback.
How can I protect myself?
If you don't know the phone number, enter it into Google first and see if you can find a search result for it. Many of the so-called “ping numbers” have already been posted online. If there is no reason to call this number back, it is best to ignore it and never call back.
Report the phone number!
- In Germany under: Federal Network Agency – Ping calls
- In Austria under: RTR – Reporting Office for Telephone Number Misuse
In summary you can say:
- Ignore the number and under no circumstances call you back!
- If you are unsure, look for the number online. Here you can often find clues as to whether this is such an attempt at fraud!
- Block and report the number!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )