Mobile users across India are increasingly falling victim to a costly phone scam known as the Premium Rate Service (PRS) scam. In this scam, victims are charged exorbitant fees for returning missed calls from international numbers. Many users have reported being billed thousands of rupees simply for calling back these international numbers.
Reliance Jio Warns Against Calling Unknown International Numbers
Reliance Jio has issued a warning to its customers, advising them never to call back unknown international numbers, as these premium rate services can charge extremely high rates per minute, even for brief calls.
To protect themselves, users are advised to block suspicious international numbers immediately and avoid returning calls from unknown foreign contacts. Any number with a country code other than India’s +91 should be approached with caution.
How the Premium Rate Service Scam Works and How to Spot It
The scam works by scammers initiating brief calls that disconnect before the victim can answer, leaving behind a missed call notification. When the victim calls back, they are unknowingly connected to premium rate services that charge significant fees, sometimes several hundred rupees per minute.
Suspicious calls can be identified by several signs, including calls from unfamiliar international country codes, a very brief ring duration before disconnection, calls received at unusual hours, and multiple attempts from the same or similar numbers. These are all indicators that the call could be part of the Premium Rate Service scam.
Protecting Against the Premium Rate Service Scam: Tips and Precautions
To further protect against this scam, users should enable international call blocking through their mobile carrier, report suspicious numbers to local authorities, and educate elderly or vulnerable individuals about the scam. Keeping records of call logs is also recommended if one believes they’ve been targeted.
While telecom authorities are working with international partners to block known scam numbers, new ones continuously emerge. Staying informed about evolving scam tactics and sharing warnings within communities can help users avoid falling victim. The best defense is simple vigilance—if you don’t recognize an international number, don’t call it back.
Summary:
Mobile users in India are falling victim to the Premium Rate Service scam, where returning missed calls from international numbers results in high charges. Reliance Jio advises blocking suspicious numbers and avoiding calls from unfamiliar foreign contacts. Users should report suspicious numbers, enable call blocking, and stay vigilant to protect themselves.
