Promotions & fraudulent calls continue to be a global concern for telecommunications operators. Recently, several “ads” have circulated on various internet addresses, targeting random internet users or users of different smartphone and tablet applications.

These “ads” inform the internet/app user that they have been selected as the winner of the latest brand cellular device. To “complete” the selection process, the “victim” is asked to fill out a questionnaire and then contact a phone number to finalize the process and provide the necessary information for claiming the prize.
After contacting these numbers, the fraudsters attempt to prolong the phone conversation as much as possible, asking for various details or posing questions, presenting them as part of the “lottery” procedure.

This scheme is nothing more than an advanced scam globally known as “Wangiri” (“one ring”). Through this scheme, missed calls are generated to different mobile users, aiming for them to call back. If they do, these calls are redirected to international numbers with very high tariffs, which then result in significant financial obligations for the user who contacted the number.
Such fraud cases identified by Vodafone Albania and ABCom are reported and pursued in cooperation with law enforcement authorities.

Since some of these “ads” have appeared under the official logos of Vodafone and ABCom, we emphasize that Vodafone Albania and ABCom promotions are carried out only through our official channels. In the case of participation in a promotion/contest, winners are contacted exclusively by customer service, who provide the relevant information.

Vodafone Albania and ABCom would like to remind all subscribers of some rules to avoid “Wangiri” scams:

• Do not answer international calls!
  If you have a missed call from an international number (or an unusual format), do not be tempted to call back.

• Block international calls!
  To ensure you don’t fall victim to fraud, you can ask your telecom company to block all international calls.

• Hang up immediately!
  If you answered a call that you suspect is fraudulent, make sure to end it right away.

In case of suspicion of a fraudulent call, you can call free of charge at 140 / 149 and report the case.

Vodafone Albania and ABCom guarantee all network users that measures to block fraudulent calls are not only regularly updated but also treated as a priority, with reports forwarded to law enforcement authorities.