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A while back, we warned you about the “one ring” scam. That’s when you get a phone call from a number you don’t know, and the call stops after just one ring. The scammer is hoping you’ll call back, because it’s really an international toll number and will appear as a charge on your phone bill — with most of the money going to the scammer. Well, the scam is back with a vengeance, and the FCC just issued a new advisory about it. Read the FCC’s advisory for more detail, but the advice from both agencies remains the same if you get one of these calls:

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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
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Phone Scams

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Dude
May 17, 2019
I received a call yesterday and my name and phone showed up on my caller ID. It was as if I was receiving a call from myself. I have never heard of this one before
bettymmcdaniel
September 20, 2019

In reply to by Dude

I have received a number of calls from my own number. What to do. I do not answer calls that I don't know who they are from so I didn't answer these calls. How are they able to call from my own number?
idigweeds
October 17, 2019

In reply to by bettymmcdaniel

They aren't really calling from your number. They use caller spoofing.
Florida Gal
June 19, 2019

In reply to by Dude

I got a scam call today with the caller ID stating that I was calling myself and listed my home number... as the caller! My sister lives in CT and is getting the same type of scammer. Where are they getting that information? Any ideas?
Katie39075
July 02, 2019

In reply to by Dude

I have received the same thing. I knew right away that it wasn't me calling myself. However, my father has not been so lucky. He has been scammed out of a lot. I don't know quite what to do. I can't have him be without a phone but he answers EVERY call. His dementia is getting bad enough that he believes all this stuff and I can't make him understand not answering the phone if he doesn't recognize the number or it is not in his contact list.
IrateDon't use…
September 09, 2019

In reply to by Dude

I received 3 calls today (9/9/2019) with my own name & number as Caller ID. Can scammers also use your ID info on calls to other people?
nanny
November 06, 2019

In reply to by Dude

I got a call from myself too Now the call is coming while u are on with someone and no beep through for second call coming in? When u hang up there is an incoming number shown I hope they are not listening in I was placing a food order w my credit card!!!!!
Indiana scammers
May 17, 2019
‭+1 (317) 548-1269‬ This number called me about car insurance, and when I told them I didn’t have a car they hung up.
Nicki b
May 17, 2019
Getting calls from (consumer advisers associates) claiming that I owe money,they had SS number and old adress.call came in twice 800 number I believe that this is a scam!!
Anna W
May 18, 2019
This happened to my dad last month. It looks like he was actually calling Africa when he returned a call to a number with a Los Angeles area code. Thanks for the info. I’ll call my cell phone provider and ask for an adjustment.
New Jersey
May 20, 2019
WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR VIGILANCE AND GOOD WORK. IT HAS TAKEN SOME TIME FOR OUR CALLS TO TRICKLE DOWN TO ABOUT 1 OR 2 EVERY 2 WEEKS FROM ALL DAY LONG EVERY DAY. IT TOOK ME CONSTANT REPORTING BUT ITS WORTH IT. THANK YOU AGAIN, YOUR CITIZENS
T
May 21, 2019
I received a phone call today at 9:02am 05/21/2019 from 8588161513. The recorder stated with my social being suspended due to suspicious activity and to press 1 to speak to an investigator. The man was indian as well and he asked for my name and home address, but then hung up right away. Be careful y'all!!! Some of us don't know better so make sure the kids and friends and everyone is informed to always be careful on giving out information!!!
NEFERET
May 21, 2019
Getting 1 ring calls. Looked up number says Fed-Ex.
Official61
May 21, 2019
A few month Back- I somehow got convince of buying A computer protection plan by A computer tech support by the name , MY EXPERT ADVISE. IT COST ME ABOUT 380.00 . Today, Tue may 21 - 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM MY EXPERT ADVISE ONCE AGAIN , STATING THAT THEY NEEDED ACCES TO MY COMPUTER (S) DUE TO SUSPICIOUS MALWARE DETECTED BY THEIR SYSTEM. I GIVE THEEM ACCES TO BOTH OF MY COMPUTERS, AND AFTER ABOUT ONE HOUR THE GUY CALL ME BACK SAYING THAT I NEEDED BASICALLY TO UP GRADE TO A BETTER PLAN THAT WILL KEEP HACKERS FROM GETTING TO ALL MY ACCOUNTS, HE QUOTE ME 2 DIFFERENT PRICES BASE ON LENGT OF TIME. 3 YEARS 500.00 LIFE TIME 1,200.00 HE REALLY WAS PUSHING TO GET THE $- I TOLD HIM THAT AT THE TIME , I DID NOT HAD THE $ NOT EVEN 100.00 HE STARTED TO GET AGITATED, I SAID TO HIM, WHAY ARE YOU GETTING UNGRY WHEN I'M TELLING YOU I DON'T HAVE THE $. HE FINALLY SAID THAT IF I DID NOT UP GRADE OR PAY HIM THE $, THAT MY COMPUTER WAS GOING TO CRASH ANY TIME- I ASK HIM, ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE MY COMPUTER CRASH, HE SAID NO. HE ENDED THE CALLED BY HANGING UP THE PH. AS OF R/NOW MY COMPUTERS ARE WORKING OK EXCEPT ALL MY ICONS ON THE DESK TOP DISAPEARED. If someone can help on getting my $ back that I was scammed last year, I will very gratefully appreciate it. Official61
Linda
May 22, 2019
I get so many scam calls a day that if you looked at my blocked calls list, it would probably take you all day to go through it. I block and delete and I am the same as another one that posted, if I don't know the number, I don't answer. If they leave a message, I will listen, then delete. Now they have started texting me, so I delete and block those. What is a person to do?
GEMINIgirl56
July 11, 2019

In reply to by Linda

I'm in the same situation as you are, what can you do to get rid of them once and for all. I don't answer calls that I don't recognize, I must have a long list of them everyday, I delete them everyday too.
FB
September 05, 2019

In reply to by Linda

Problem is, to my knowledge, you can't block texts. If anybody can offer an effective text blocker app, let me know.
DumbLady
September 22, 2019

In reply to by FB

I too would like to have a text blocking app. I get a text almost everyday about insurance problem. I don't have a problem with insurance so I delete and block the number hoping that that will help. The texts still come. I also get 5 or 6 calls a day , numbers sometimes a digit difference in the numbers. Have also gotten calls from my old phone number and sometimes the number doesn't show at all. I just block and delete. They still come. Some leave a message saying 'this is customer service and I need to call them and leave a number' .... I haven't done anything for a customer service to be calling and least of all not give a company name...ha!! Just block and delete. I also put my number on the government site 'DO NOT CALL REGISTRY'. But beware, there are sites for doing this that are not from the government.
LadyAFETS1
May 23, 2019
Received 26 calls in 1 day from same male caller. Said I had been given a 'government grant' of $9,400.00. Needed my debit card or checking account number to deposit money immediately. I refused. Said I needed to buy $250 of PayPal cards within 30 minutes. Told him I knew it was a scam. Calls were from 3 companies and just 2 showing number only. Told him on first call I was a Lt in the Fraud Division. Replied - that's nice. Answered next 25 calls saying Police department, Lt. Brown, Fraud Division. He just kept his pitch going. Started hanging up on him. Kept calling back. Once I recognized the numbers, I stopped answering. Kept calling for 4 days. Finally stopped. Very persistent in what you MUST DO. Said I'd also get the $250.00 Good Faith money back. Told him I wasn't a fool, no one from the government asks for money to send money and then gives it back. I'm a little bit dumb, not a whole lot stupid! Try someone else!
Jake L.
May 23, 2019
Getting calls on my company cell phone from France and Lithuania. Suspected it was a robo-dialer, never called back.
anexa2013
May 23, 2019
For the last 3 days, I've been receiving one phone call many times a day.
CoutteK
May 24, 2019
I received a recording call for a second time this week saying that is was from the social security administration and that I have a law suit against me due to fraudulent activity. They said do not call back only call this number .......
DavyJonezz
June 11, 2019

In reply to by CoutteK

A call from Social Security will really yank your chain. Then it's enough to really make you wanna answer it either way, but it has always been my experience, that the Social Security Offices will contact you through the mail exclusively, sometimes even requiring a signature. I wouldn't lose any sleep over calls like those! I laugh because I got a series of calls just like that. A call to the real organization revealed there were no listed problems with me of any kind. Phew! What a relief!!!
Thriftyme
June 17, 2019

In reply to by DavyJonezz

DITTO to IRS. In fact, I don't think any government agency will call you unless they are returning a call. U.S.P.S. is always used for official business.
PokoBono
May 25, 2019
I always stick to answering calls from phone numbers I recognize. If they do leave a message I usually look into it and see if their number matches any scams on Google or if it matches who they are attempting to pose as.
Mommydrst
May 26, 2019
I keep on receiving calls from lithuania, I receive a minimum of 10 a day . My whole family has been receiving these calls, my dad made the mistake of calling back and we got billed seventy dollars . Can't anybody track where the money is going to once billed? Follow the money, and scammers will be caught. We live in an age of technology where all is possible. Or are our phone companies getting a cut?
DonnaDon't use…
June 05, 2019
I called back a number when talking to someone telling me about a cruise I had won. When getting disconnected, I called back and talked thinking I had unlimited long distance on my home phone. Not thinking the number was inJamaco I ended up with a $50.00 long distance charge on my bill coming at a time when I didn't have any extra money. I learned a hard lesson and it was a scam call .
AnonLeg000888
June 08, 2019
7322163780 Dont pick up from this number. This number will call twice or thrice in 15 minutes triggering your do not disturb settings. If you get a call from a creepy baby voice. New Jersey Number
DavyJonezz
June 11, 2019
I'm on every existing donotcall list, but it seems to make no difference in how many BS calls I get per day. I'm really glad I'm not some famous person! Can you imagine what kind of things must happen to some one that is? Either way, all you can really do is not answer calls from numbers you don't recognize! Too bad sometimes I'm waiting for important calls from people who aren't in my contact list! Yikesarooneys!!!!
Ruby
June 11, 2019
Had a call today - said he was from the Federal Trade Commission - asking for my husband ? Do employees from Federal Trade Commission call citizens ???? I said he wasn't here and hung up. Looking at my XFinity call history - it shows the call as PRIVATE and no number is listed.
Heidi
June 12, 2019
Received a call today 866 265 8975 Newman and Associates. with a claim owing money from 10 years ago. They had 4 digits of my SS and a lot of info. A debt from Wells Fargo. Which I never had. These people threaten with court and police. I wish someone can stop them.
philly
June 14, 2019
8768017106 call from jamaica bad things will happen if you call it.
CmLR184
June 14, 2019
I am now getting calls with out a whole number +1(1) (740) 294-299 I told friends "I never get robo calls....2 days later i'm getting these. I have gotten several. Now what?
CTT1955
June 19, 2019
I have been on the DNC List since 2003. I’ve been bombarded with live calls about Insurance coverage. I’m on the Obama Ins plan (Gov. Site). Every time I have to update anything on this plan, then I’m bombarded with call looking to sell me Ins. You would think since they’re both Gov. sites, we would be protected. Now I’m receiving calls about Medicare....some I listen to their spill then ask why are they calling me, them simply tell them I’m 30..it stops calls from that number. Normally I just don’t answer and then block the call. Which isn’t the answer. Do not call list is a joke!
scammedintexas
June 20, 2019
My 87 year old mother got one of those Sierra Leone calls on her new iPhone (upgraded from a flip phone. She thought she was blocking it but instead hit the call back number and got hit with $180.00 in long distance fees. Trying to see if ATT will be able to help her with this. Cross your fingers.
Bholden100
June 25, 2019
Registering robocalls does no Good whatsoever! I’ve tried it
rikoshea
June 26, 2019
I got a msg a while back saying to call a 1 888 303 number ( forgot the other 4 numbers) saying it was about medicare ins.I ignored it and did nothing then decided to trace the phone number through white pages said could not find such a number.I never answer someone that pops out of no where saying who they are call them or email them or even reply to them especially if they are govt. without verifying it is them first.
Oklady
July 08, 2019
Does no good. I've given number and was told, does no good, they stop a number and they just use another one.
hughvpurdy
July 16, 2019
Norton can't stop them. Cellphone, MMS and SMS dissappered yesterday whenIIIgot Emailed by you from my request,and I started this form . Coincidence?
Miner
July 23, 2019
I have 4 calls from Sudan, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Guatemala It rings a couple of times then they hang up. I have not rung the numbers back but blocked them on my phone. It has only just started happening today.
Kdj6369
July 25, 2019
I recently started getting calls like this from phone numbers belonging to Facebook friends' and their friend's. The reason I know they must be part of a scam is because these are people I know, but have jo reason for knowing their number, and they don't have mine.
Time
July 31, 2019
Dude I don’t even have a social security number and I’m getting calls For This. It’s always a 1-800 number
Frajito
August 01, 2019
I received one last night and there is no record on my call history. These people are devious.
skymom
August 02, 2019
After adding my numbers to the do not call registry fraudulent robocalls to my phone skyrocketed. Whats up with that!?
Beachgrass
August 06, 2019
I just received a " your social security number is linked to fraudulent behavior" and legal enforcement has been initiated "before this goes to the state court house, it you get arrested, kindly call us back at 502 205 2966. It's a pre recorded message that is left. Crazy...
doreenk
August 16, 2019
I received a call telling me to call back a number about a student loan and referencing a phone number to call back with a reference number. Concerned because no one in my family has a student loan, I called back and for every prompt got the same message that "I don't qualify for any program" Definitely something strange. Phone number call came from was 443-445-1562 number they said to call was 866-447-3223
Richard
August 26, 2019
Yes, I get them all the time. But what makes completely no sense is that when I call the number back, which was left on caller ID, the line makes that noise the phone company makes when I'm told that the number is not in service, and the same phone company voice say the number is not in service. Are they faking both the screech and the voice???
Gecl
August 27, 2019
Received voice mail regarding student loan. Left message to return call. Return call made what damage can be done
Rettaylor1969
September 20, 2019
I real tired of bother my girlfriend’s phone some one call their nbr is 1-888-254-3099 its “message “ call of WARING of ur ID are SUPENDING. I don’t know who is coming from .without unknow
reed thomson
October 10, 2019
it was a privite number and i wouldnt thick the moscow idaho police call me they would just show up at my door i getting theated i want the police in moscow idaho to just leave me alone and stop hurrassing me and can the ftc call the moscow idaho police and let them no there is a privte number calls and they are really start to get anyoing and i no the moscow police wouldnt call me at all if i was breaking the law they would just show up that would be a good idea for the ftc to call them and find out if the police in moscow idaho im scred and i just want them to leave alone and stop theating me
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