Missed cellphone calls from an unfamiliar number can spark curiosity, but it can also cost you some rather expensive charges if you return the call, the Better Business Bureau warns.
A phone scam has become common in Canada and the United States where your phone rings, but the caller disconnects immediately.
Your phone shows a missed call from an unfamiliar number.
If you try to call it back, it could cost you as much as $19.95 for the international call, depending on how long you stay on the line.
Victims have reported hearing music or an audio advertisement, but they have been connected to a caller-paid toll service or chat line in another country.
Calls have been reported to come from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, Grenada or Dominica.
The bureau warns you to protect yourself.
• When in doubt, do not pick up or call back. If you do not recognize an out-of-province telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it;
• Understand your mobile bill. Be sure to keep track of what services you pay for and any additional features or changes you may have added to your cell phone plan which will affect the cost. That way you will be able to determine if any charges are unauthorized;
• Keep a close eye on monthly statements. Anyone can become a victim of the one-ring phone scam. Monitoring your bill is the best way to determine whether or not you have been affected. The sooner you spot any unexpected charges, the sooner you can stop them and;
• Add restrictions to your account. Contact your service provider to see if you can restrict third-party billing on your account.
Missed cellphone calls from an unfamiliar number can spark curiosity, but it can also cost you some rather expensive charges if you return the call, the Better Business Bureau warns.
A phone scam has become common in Canada and the United States where your phone rings, but the caller disconnects immediately.
Your phone shows a missed call from an unfamiliar number.
If you try to call it back, it could cost you as much as $19.95 for the international call, depending on how long you stay on the line.
Victims have reported hearing music or an audio advertisement, but they have been connected to a caller-paid toll service or chat line in another country.
Calls have been reported to come from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, Grenada or Dominica.
The bureau warns you to protect yourself.
• When in doubt, do not pick up or call back. If you do not recognize an out-of-province telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it;
• Understand your mobile bill. Be sure to keep track of what services you pay for and any additional features or changes you may have added to your cell phone plan which will affect the cost. That way you will be able to determine if any charges are unauthorized;
• Keep a close eye on monthly statements. Anyone can become a victim of the one-ring phone scam. Monitoring your bill is the best way to determine whether or not you have been affected. The sooner you spot any unexpected charges, the sooner you can stop them and;
• Add restrictions to your account. Contact your service provider to see if you can restrict third-party billing on your account.