Mobile phone scam exploits missed calls

A new mobile phone scam has emerged which tries to get customers to return missed calls and pay premium rates.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association says scammers are calling mobiles at random and then immediately disconnecting, so the phone owner does not have time to answer the call.

Association spokesman Chris Althaus says in most cases, the person will call the number back and connect to a phone number that charges higher rates.

"People need to be very careful with missed calls on their mobile phones and be very wary of returning those calls," he said.

"If it is a number you don't recognise, best course of action is not to return the call."

The scammers are also sending text messages informing people they have won prizes, but they must call a premium number to claim the prize.