Health & Fitness
BBB Issues Alert about “One Ring” Telephone Scam
Victims are subsequently billed for unwanted "premium services," such as an adult chat line, which typically appears as a $19.95 charge.
Calling Back an Unknown Number Can Cost You
Better Business Bureau is warning cell phone users about a new scam that results in unauthorized charges appearing on their monthly wireless statement.
Consumers in several states report getting calls on their mobile phones during which the caller hangs up. When cell phone owners call back, they are connected to a paid international adult entertainment service or chat line located outside the country.
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Victims are subsequently billed for unwanted “premium services,” such as an adult chat line, which typically appears as a $19.95 charge.
The area codes that appear on the caller ID often originate from the Antigua (268), Dominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), British Virgin Islands (284) and Grenada (473).
Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The practice of third parties placing unauthorized charges on wireless accounts is called “cramming.” The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have reviewed thousands of complaints about the practice, and expect the problem to grow.
Better Business Bureau recommends if you don’t recognize an out-of-state telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it and if you do answer, do not call back. Check your wireless bills carefully and inform your carrier if you spot any for unauthorized charges.
-Submitted by Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director, Connecticut Better Business Bureau
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