Kuwait Issues Urgent Warning Over Surge in Wangiri Scam Calls Linked to Global Cyber Fraud Network

Authorities in Kuwait have issued a strong warning following a noticeable rise in suspicious international phone calls affecting both citizens and residents. Officials have linked the activity to a coordinated global cyber fraud network.

Security agencies revealed that many of these calls follow a recognizable pattern where the phone rings once and disconnects. This tactic is commonly referred to as the Wangiri Scam, meaning “one ring and cut.”

Fraudsters reportedly use automated dialing systems to generate thousands of calls across different countries. When individuals return these missed calls, they are redirected to premium-rate international numbers, leading to high call charges that accumulate quickly without the user’s knowledge.

In some cases, victims are intentionally kept on the line through recorded messages or repeated call transfers to increase billing costs. Other variations of the scam involve attempts to capture the victim’s voice, which can later be misused for fraudulent authorizations or financial activities.

Kuwaiti authorities have also highlighted an increase in scam-related text messages following these calls. These messages often include harmful links disguised as delivery updates or account alerts. Clicking on such links may result in device hacking or the theft of sensitive personal data.

Although the incoming calls may appear to originate from nearby regions, investigations suggest they are often routed through locations in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Pacific island nations.

Officials emphasized that even a single missed call could be part of a larger cybercrime operation and urged the public to remain cautious.

Safety Advisory

Residents are advised to avoid answering unknown international numbers, ignore one-ring calls, and refrain from returning missed calls from unfamiliar sources. They should also avoid clicking on suspicious links and immediately block any questionable contacts.

Authorities reiterated the importance of vigilance, warning that seemingly harmless interactions could expose individuals to significant financial and data security risks.