Beware of the one ring scam on your phone

http://www.ajc.com/news/business/consumer-advice/beware-one-ring-scam-your-phone/ndDhd/

By Clark Howard ClarkHoward.com
Feb. 5, 2014

That missed call on your cellphone could cost you $30…but maybe not in the way you think.

One of my Facebook followers let me know about an old scam that has roared back to life. Years ago, crooks found a way to exploit a handful of international area codes that don't require a foreign code to dial up.

Now that scam has resurfaced as what's being called the "one ring scam." Crooks are using robocalling technology to place Internet calls that only ring once to cell phones.

If you pick up, the robocaller just drops the line. But the bigger danger is if you miss the call. Like so many people, you might think it's an important call and dial that number right back.

Bad move.

Turns out the area codes are in the Caribbean. That call will cost you between $15 and $30! And to add insult to injury, the criminals behind these calls will sign you up (through your cell provider) for bogus services that will be crammed on your phone bill if you return their call.