Your phone rings. You don't recognize the number, so you tap on it to return the call.
Bad idea. You've been scammed.
We are receiving emails from people all over reporting that they have received unexpected calls from the Caribbean and other areas with unknown area codes.
Don't know the number calling you? Then don't return the call.
That's a warning from the Better Business Bureau. The BBB says this is a new type of cramming scam that is targeting people across the country.
They call it the "One-Ring" scam.
The scammers behind it don't care about the Do Not Call list, so being on that list won't help you, according to the BBB.
How it Works
The BBB says this is how the One-Ring Scam works:
-Scammers from outside the country are robo calling cellphones at random.
-Your phone will ring once, then stop. When you answer, no one is there.
-If you are curious and call it back, you are charged as much as $20 for an international call.
-You may also be charged a monthly fee for joining some club you know nothing about. By calling the number, you "authorize" them to place a fee on your cellphone bill.
What to Do
The Better Business Bureau says to protect yourself, do not call back any unknown callers, especially if they are not in your local area code.
If you are curious, Google the phone number. If it is legitimate business, your doctor's office or your insurance company, you will find that out right away on Google.
Resist the urge to call back, so you don't waste your money.
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Don't Waste Your Money is a registered trademark of the EW Scripps Co.
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