Consumer Alert
“One-ring” cell phone scam can ding your wallet
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Who’s calling now? That number doesn’t ring a bell. Hold the phone, says the Federal Trade Commission. You could be a potential victim of the growing "one-ring” cell phone scam.
Here’s how it works: Scammers are using auto-dialers to call cell phone numbers across the country. Scammers let the phone ring once — just enough for a missed call message to pop up.
The scammers hope you’ll call back, either because you believe a legitimate call was cut off, or you will be curious about who called. If you do, chances are you’ll hear something like, “Hello. You’ve reached the operator, please hold.” All the while, you’re getting slammed with some hefty charges — a per-minute charge on top of an international rate. The calls are from phone numbers with three-digit area codes that look like they’re from inside the U.S., but actually are associated with international phone numbers — often in the Caribbean. The area codes include: 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.
If you get a call like this, don’t pick it up and don’t call the number back. There’s no danger in getting the call: the danger is in calling back and racking up a whopping bill.
If you're tempted to call back, do yourself a favor and check the number through online directories first. They can tell you where the phone number is registered.
If you’ve been a victim of the “one-ring” scam, try to resolve the charges with your cell phone carrier. If that doesn’t work, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission.
And as a general rule: Read your phone bill often — line by line. If you don’t recognize or understand a charge, contact your carrier.
I’ve got to go now; my cell phone is ringing.
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In reply to Am getting calls from by Prince
If you’re getting repeated calls from the same number, your phone company may be able to block that number, but first ask whether there’s a fee for this service.
If you’re getting unwanted calls from a lot of different numbers, look into a call blocking solution. There are online call blocking services, call blocking boxes, and smartphone apps that block unwanted calls. Do an online search to look for reviews from experts and other users, and find out whether the service costs money.
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In reply to I am getting calls from by jnewellr
In reply to I am getting calls from by jnewellr
A couple of months ago I got a call from the representative of the estate of a wealthy gal who passed away overseas. Although I had trouble understanding his voice, I clearly heard him say that his client wanted a stranger to have the inheritance, and that I was chosen as the heir. I gave the caller my bank account information and my ID, but so far no transfer has been made. What do you think is holding up the 5 million dollars that is supposed to go into my account?
In reply to A couple of months ago I got by Waiting for ba…
If you tell someone your bank account number, they can take money from your account, even if they say they're going to give you money. If you tell them your ID, they can use it for identity theft, like opening up new credit cards in your name.
You may want to change your bank account number, read about what to do if someone has your ID information.