Excerpts from
Scam Alert: A Very Wrong Number
Scam Alert: A Very Wrong Number
Author: Sid Kirchheimer (Scam-Proof Your Life)
Source: AARP Bulletin Today
Returning a call to select area codes can lead to a COSTLY phone bill!
How the scam works »
You're asked to dial a telephone number appearing to be domestic, but it's not. The call goes to one of a the Caribbean nations (or possibly Canada) that have US-styled area codes and telephone numbers. The call does'nt require the "011" dailing code for international calls which unfortunately, further escalates the deception.
These foreign telephone numbers are not regulated by the FCC, so scammers in those areas can set their fees as high as desired. The call could result in a $50.00 (or more) charge.
You're asked to dial a telephone number appearing to be domestic, but it's not. The call goes to one of a the Caribbean nations (or possibly Canada) that have US-styled area codes and telephone numbers. The call does'nt require the "011" dailing code for international calls which unfortunately, further escalates the deception.
These foreign telephone numbers are not regulated by the FCC, so scammers in those areas can set their fees as high as desired. The call could result in a $50.00 (or more) charge.
Protect yourself »
Don't return phone calls with an unfamiliar area code. Check the area code, using Google (or any search engine) by typing "313 area code" (the area code example "313" and the words "area code").
Some area codes for this scam are "284 (British Virgin Islands), 649 (Turks and Caicos), 809 (Dominican Republic) and especially 876 (Jamaica). Other faux-American codes include 441 (Bermuda), 473 (Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique), 664 (Montserrat), 758 (St. Lucia), 784 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) and 868 (Trinidad and Tobago).
You can also ask your phone service provider to block international calls and text messages coming from suspect area codes."
"If you are billed for calls you made as a result of this scam, first try to resolve them with your telephone company. If that doesn't work, you can file a complaint with the FCC online or by calling 1-888-225-5322 toll-free ..."
Some area codes for this scam are "284 (British Virgin Islands), 649 (Turks and Caicos), 809 (Dominican Republic) and especially 876 (Jamaica). Other faux-American codes include 441 (Bermuda), 473 (Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique), 664 (Montserrat), 758 (St. Lucia), 784 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) and 868 (Trinidad and Tobago).
You can also ask your phone service provider to block international calls and text messages coming from suspect area codes."
"If you are billed for calls you made as a result of this scam, first try to resolve them with your telephone company. If that doesn't work, you can file a complaint with the FCC online or by calling 1-888-225-5322 toll-free ..."
Read more Scam Alert articles on AARP.org:
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