Amber Calling

Amber Calling refers to a specific type of telephone fraud or scam where the perpetrator manipulates call routing to generate revenue, often without the victim's knowledge or consent. The core mechanism involves redirecting calls, frequently international calls, through premium rate numbers or other exploitable telecommunications channels.

The scam typically operates by enticing a victim to make a call, often to a seemingly legitimate business or service. Unbeknownst to the victim, the call is surreptitiously re-routed, either immediately or after a brief period, through a network that charges exorbitant per-minute fees. These fees are then shared between the scammer and potentially complicit telecommunications providers.

Victims may not realize they are being scammed until they receive an unexpectedly high phone bill. The duration of the call, even a short one, can result in significant charges due to the inflated premium rate.

The tactics employed in Amber Calling scams can vary. Some involve hacking into phone systems or PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges) to redirect outgoing calls. Others might exploit vulnerabilities in VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) networks. Still others may rely on social engineering techniques to trick individuals into dialing specific numbers that trigger the rerouting process.

Combating Amber Calling requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhanced security measures by telecommunications providers to detect and prevent call redirection, heightened consumer awareness to recognize and avoid suspicious calls, and legal enforcement to prosecute perpetrators. International collaboration is often necessary due to the cross-border nature of these scams.