Beware of a New One-Ring Cell Phone Scam

If you answer or return a call from a number you don’t recognize, you might be hit with fraudulent fees.
By Cameron Huddleston, Kiplinger.com

The next time you miss a call and don’t recognize the number on your caller ID, don’t return the call because it could be a scam.

Scammers are using auto-dialers to call cell-phone numbers nationwide, let the phone ring once and then hang up, according to the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission. Those who call back are connected to a paid international adult entertainment service, chat line or other premium service that charges a $19.95 international call fee and per-minute fees that are $9 or more, according to the BBB.

These “one-ring” scam calls appear to come from within the U.S. but typically originate from the Caribbean, according to the FTC. Area codes on the calls are frequently 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.

Both the BBB and FTC are urging consumers not to answer or return calls from numbers they don’t recognize to avoid becoming victims of this one-ring scam. The agencies also recommend checking your mobile phone bill carefully and alerting your carrier if you see any unauthorized charges. The sooner you catch and report fraud, the better your chances of having the charges removed, according to the BBB. If you’re unable to resolve the issue with your carrier, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission.