i noticed that they had called when I was gone from the house (they called a residence land line) - the caller left no message. Caller ID recorded was "CELLULAR CALL".
Based on other comments here, I did not call the number back & blocked it.
The scammers are out in full force. Words to the wise.
1) If you don't know who is calling, DON'T pick up!
2) If you want to call back, DON'T. It will lead to international calling charges on your next bill
3) Let the phone ring the full 4-5 times so it keeps them busy from bothering the next person.
4) If you get these calls before 8am or after 9pm, call your local police department and have them put a tap on your line. Scammers don't like this....
Don't pick up. Don't talk to them. They will eventually give up. Especially when the NSA finally figures out they are ISIS and need to DO something about them.
Be careful and do not call this number back. This is why:
'One Ring' Wireless Phone Scam
The FCC has recently learned of a new phone scam targeting wireless consumers.
Some wireless consumers are receiving calls from phone numbers with three-digit area codes that appear to be domestic, but are actually associated with international pay-per-call phone numbers. These calls often disconnect after one ring, not giving the consumer time to answer the call and tempting them to return the call. If you receive a call like this and do not recognize the number of the incoming call, do not return the call.
If you return the phone call, you may be connected to an international hotline than can charge a fee just for connecting, along with significant per-minute fees if they can keep you on the phone. These charges may show up on your bill as premium services.
This scam appears to be a variation of an old long distance phone scam that tricks consumers into receiving high charges on their phone bills. In the past, telephone consumers have been fooled into making expensive international calls by scam artists who leave messages on consumers' answering machines or their email accounts. The messages urge consumers to call a number with an "809," "284," "876" or some other area code to collect a prize, find out about a sick relative, or engage in sex talk.
How the Scam Works
Your wireless phone rings once or twice and then disconnects the call. When the number appears in your wireless phone log as a missed call, it appears to be a typical domestic telephone number; or you get an email or voicemail telling you to call a phone number with an "809", "284", "876" or some other three-digit international area code.
When you return the call, you assume you are making a domestic long distance call – as "649," "809," "284," "876" and other area codes involved in this scam, appear to be typical three-digit U.S. area codes. When you dial the three-digit area code plus the number, however, you are connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and are charged expensive international call rates, and may be charged for pay-per-call services as well. (For example, "649" goes to the Turks and Caicos, "809" goes to the Dominican Republic, "284" goes to the British Virgin Islands, and "876" goes to Jamaica.)
You don't find out about the higher international call rates until you receive your phone bill.
How You Can Best Avoid the Scam
Check any unfamiliar area codes before returning calls.
Be aware that many 3-digit area codes (mostly in the Caribbean) connect callers to international telephone numbers.
If you do not otherwise make international calls, ask your local or wireless phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of This Scam
If you are billed for a call you made as a result of this scam, first try to resolve the matter with your telephone company. If you are unable to resolve it directly, you can file a complaint with the FCC. There is no charge for filing a complaint. You can file your complaint using an FCC online complaint form found at www.fcc.gov/complaints. You can also file your complaint with the FCC's Consumer Center by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554