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The June 2014 issue featured an article entitled "DO not call me!" The article described three telephone scams, in which fraudsters deceived innocent businesses and people, resulting in large phone bills. Recently we received reports of another telephone scam rearing its ugly head. It is referred to as the "One Ring" scam:

Scammers call your cell phone but only allow the phone to ring one time. They hang up in hopes you will call the number back assuming the call was cut off. If the phone number starts with one of these area codes: 268, 284, 473, 649, 664, 767, 809, 829, 849 or 876, you will find yourself being charged international rates if you call back.

Although the numbers appear to be from a U.S. area code, they are not. These are country codes. If you call the number back someone will answer, then place you on hold or have you listen to a lengthy message, all while charging you a large per–minute fee plus international rates for the call.

If you happen to receive a call like this, do not call the number back. There is no danger in getting the call: the danger is in calling back and racking up a whopping bill. If you are tempted to call back, first check the number online to find out if it is a U.S. area code or an international country code.

The schemers do not just target cell phones. They also call businesses. They leave messages urging consumers to call to collect a prize or find out about a sick relative. Ignore the message. Do not call the number back.

If you do, the charges afterward can become a real nightmare because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You will end up dealing with a foreign company who argues they have done nothing wrong.

Before calling an unfamiliar number back keep these three things in mind:

  • Check any unfamiliar area codes before returning calls.
  • Be aware many 3–digit area codes connect callers to international telephone numbers.
  • If you do not otherwise make international calls, ask your local or wireless phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.

If you become a victim, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission using an FCC online complaint form found at www.fcc.gov/complaints. You can also file your complaint with the FCC's Consumer Center by contacting:

  • 1.888.CALL.FCC (1.888.225.5322) voice
  • 1.888.TELL.FCC (1.888.835.5322) TTY
  • 1.866.418.0232 fax, or
  • The Federal Communications Commission (in writing)

 

 
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