In the endless cycle of scam calls, it seems like scammers never run out of tricks. In one-ring phone scams, the goal is not always getting you to answer, it’s getting you to call back. Every so often, your phone may ring once and then stop. Thinking you missed an important call; you may be tempted to call the number back. Reporter Cassidy Taylor tells you why that is not a good idea…
Returning the call could cost you, literally. One-ring calls may appear to be from phone numbers somewhere in the United States, but savvy scammers often use international numbers from regions that also begin with three-digit codes – for example, “232” goes to Sierra Leone and “809” goes to the Dominican Republic. Scammers may also match the area code that you use.
If you call back, you risk being connected to a phone number outside the U.S. As a result, you may wind up being charged a fee for connecting, along with significant per-minute fees for as long as they can keep you on the phone. These charges may show up on your bill as premium services, international calling, or toll-calling.
To avoid this scam:
Don’t answer or return any calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
Before calling unfamiliar numbers, check to see if the area code is international.
If you do not make international calls, ask your phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.
Always be cautious, even if a number appears authentic.
If you believe you have received a scam call, you can contact the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at 760-366-4175.
