The public is being warned not to answer phone calls from numbers starting with +231, +212, +235, +269 or similar prefixes.
Typically, a person will receive a missed call notification, but when the number is called back, it goes on hold or the customer is made wait on the line. The exorbitant rates of calling these numbers means a great deal of credit is drained from the customer’s balance.
The numbers stem from countries such as Chad and Liberia, and some people have reported numerous calls each day. However, if a customer notices the same number over and over it can easily be blocked.
The scam is commonly being referred to as “Wangiri fraud”.
