Phone Scam Active - Watch Out For 'One Ring' Scam
A telephone scam that has been around for many years has appeared again. This scam involves returning calls to the 268, 809, 284 and 876 area codes that originate from Antigua, Jamaica or another Caribbean island.
Sometimes it just appears as a missed call, also known as a "one-ring scam." Other times, the caller leaves a message on your answering machine, gives their first name and leaves a message such as "Sorry I missed your call... please call me back I have something important to tell you." The reasons you are asked to call back vary and can include such things as a family member is ill, someone has been arrested, died or to let you know you have won a prize.
The overseas area codes can be used as pay-per-call numbers, similar to the more familiar 900 numbers. Consumers that have returned the calls have reported being charged a $19.95 connection fee and an additional $9 per minute.
The practice of third parties placing unauthorized charges on wireless accounts is called "cramming." If you don’t recognize an out-of-state telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it, and if you do answer, do not call back.
If you think you've received a call from a potential scammer, immediately report it to your telephone or cellular provider.
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