Special attention is needed for phone scams through calls from international numbers that are spreading rapidly in Greece. Authorities issue urgent warnings about suspicious numbers with specific international codes targeting citizens through premium rate charges. The phenomenon is reaching alarming proportions as hundreds of consumers face unexpected charges on their bills.
Read: Kifisia: Couple falls victim to elaborate phone scam – Lost jewelry worth €500,000
Most dangerous international country codes
According to authorities’ updates, the most frequently used international codes connected to these scams are:
Albania: 355
Ivory Coast: 225
Ghana: 233
Nigeria: 234
Republic of Chad: 235
How international call phone scams work
The scammers’ scheme relies on a simple but extremely effective tactic. They make a brief call – often just one “ring” – designed to entice the victim to call back. When they do, premium charges apply, resulting in significantly increased phone bills, while part of the charge goes to the scammer.
Authorities advise citizens to be particularly suspicious and avoid calling back missed calls from unknown international numbers. When in doubt, the best practice is to search the number online to identify its origin and remain vigilant.
Additionally, public institutions and banks typically communicate with citizens through official accounts and platforms, such as email or official notifications, not through international calls. Therefore, any suspicious number should be treated with extreme caution.
