If you are the owner of a cellphone, you have probably gotten a call from an unfamiliar number or two in your time. These numbers have started to get more tricky as of late.
Now, they are calling people and letting the phone ring once. In many instances, this is enough to pique the curiosity of the call’s recipient, getting them to pick up their phone and call back.
The Federal Communications Commission is warning people about this common scam. They are referring to this scam, which is also known as the “one ring” scam. There is even a Japanese term to describe this. “Wangiri” is “one ring and drop” in this language. The scam itself is easy enough to understand as well.
The number will call multiple times, hoping to get the caller to call them back. Once the person has decided that they are going to call back, they are going to be on the hook for long-distance fees. The call cannot be connected unless the fees are being paid. Of course, the fees are going to be funneled right back to the scammer but you probably knew about that part of it already.
According to the FCC, the calls can come from anywhere and that is something that the recipients are going to have to bear in mind. However, the agency is warning people against the increased amount of international numbers that are finding their way into the mix. If you are not someone who receives calls from these types of numbers, do not call them back.
“News reports have indicated widespread overnight calling in New York State and Arizona,” says the FCC release. In most instances, the scam callers will be targeting areas in bursts. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that we avoid the urge to engage with callers that they do not know. You don’t have to tell us twice!
“Do not call back numbers you do not recognize, especially those appearing to originate overseas,” says the FCC. If you happen to end up receiving one of these calls, the FCC is also encouraging all parties to report them as soon as possible.
Let’s all do our part to make sure that these calls are finally able to become a thing of the past. After all, no one likes to be harassed if they can possibly help it!