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 Please be advised on facebook by jjcoca
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In reply to I received 2 calls from this by Merdel
In reply to Got a call from 800-628-8648. by US VETERAN
In reply to here's a new one 1-866-512 by Vancouver Canada
1-866 is like 1-800. Just received a fake call saying Revenue Canada, tax, lawsuit and arrest! It is possible in 2018!!!
In reply to I have been targeted by this by Concerned citizen
If you think your phone or computer are not secure, do not use them for banking or shopping.
If you think there is a virus or spyware on your computer, use these tips to rid of that malware. Then update or download legitimate security software, and scan your computer. Delete anything the software says is a problem.
If you told a scammer your account passwords, change the passwords on all the accounts. Read more about tech support scams that interfere with computers.
they make me repeated annoying calls, when I pick up no one responds, it seems it is scammer attempts 201-703-7281( 1:05 PM 3/14/2018) and 201-877-3466 last time 5:26 PM 3/14/2018