MONROE - The Federal Trade Commission reported that scammers are using auto-dialers to call cell phone numbers across the country.
Scammers let the phone ring once - just enough for a missed call message to pop up. The scammers are hoping individuals will call back. Those who do call back will hear something like, "Hello. You've reached the operator, please hold." While on hold, individuals are getting hit with some hefty charges - a per-minute charge on top of an international rate. The calls are from phone numbers with three-digit area codes that look like they're from inside the U.S., but actually are associated with international phone numbers - often in the Caribbean. The area codes include: 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.
Those who get a call like this, should not pick it up and should not call the number back. There's no danger in getting the call but the danger is in calling back and racking up the bill.
Those who become a victim of the scam should contact their cell phone carrier to ask them to remove the charges.
Scammers let the phone ring once - just enough for a missed call message to pop up. The scammers are hoping individuals will call back. Those who do call back will hear something like, "Hello. You've reached the operator, please hold." While on hold, individuals are getting hit with some hefty charges - a per-minute charge on top of an international rate. The calls are from phone numbers with three-digit area codes that look like they're from inside the U.S., but actually are associated with international phone numbers - often in the Caribbean. The area codes include: 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.
Those who get a call like this, should not pick it up and should not call the number back. There's no danger in getting the call but the danger is in calling back and racking up the bill.
Those who become a victim of the scam should contact their cell phone carrier to ask them to remove the charges.