It's called 'caller id spoofing'. The people calling you can make any phone number show up on your caller id. They're making a number show up that charges you money if you call it and press a certain key.
At the same time they've disguised the messages on their pay by phone system as surveys. Those messages normally tell you what you're buying and how much it costs.
Check your bill for unwanted charges if you called this number back.
Got a call on my work cell phone. Did not recognize the number but that is not unusual for work calls. I answered and there was three buzz type sounds and then a hang up. My fear is that it was a call testing the number for an answer and now I will continue to receive the calls.
Call the number back with *67 and it is a survey company. The recorded message says that 'the survey that you were invited to join has expired. If you would like to be removed from future surveys, press 2 or hang up the line." When you press 2, it loops the message, thanks you and then hangs up.
Can anyone answer if there are any benefits to this type of practice? Where is the money in it?