THE 'MISSED CALL' SCHEME: A NEW TWIST ON AN OLD SCAM

THE 'MISSED CALL' SCHEME:
A NEW TWIST ON AN OLD SCAM

    This scheme involves scammers calling a customer’s phone, letting it ring once or twice and then disconnecting the call so that the number remains on your call log. Sometimes they might leave a voicemail. The number shows up as a missed call and is typically a normal three-digit area code that would appear to be a U.S. number, but it’s actually an international number. For example, 809 is the Dominican Republic, 876 is Jamaica, 284 is the British Virgin Islands, and so on. When you return the call, you’re automatically routed to an international adult entertainment or chat line in a non-U.S. Caribbean island location, where you can quickly rack up expensive charges. While major wireless companies work to block suspicious numbers on their networks, and most have consumer education systems in place to identify and combat these threats, these scams originate outside the reach of U.S. regulators and wireless providers.

Tips to Keep You Safe:

• Always check the area code before returning a missed call to ANY unknown caller.

• Be skeptical about area codes you don’t recognize.

• Be aware that there are numerous three-digit area codes (mostly in the non-U.S. Caribbean Islands) that connect callers to an international phone number.

• Don’t respond to text messages or calls from unknown sources. Delete them immediately.

• If you don’t regularly make international calls, ask your wireless carrier to block international calling.

UNKNOWN OR UNSOLICITED

TEXT MESSAGE SCAM

    This scheme is called ‘Smishing’, which is a combination of ‘Short Message Service’ text messaging and email ‘Phishing.’ It involves your responding to what appears to be a legitimate text message you received, even though it’s from a number you most likely don’t recognize. Doing this can place yourself at greater risk for identity or information theft at the hands of crafty cyber thieves. This simple bait-and-hook fraud allows crooks to use auto-dialing or roll-texting computer programs to text you on your wireless device. The message encourages you to click a link or call the number back (the bait). The message often is based on some urgent action, such as “NOTICE! Hurry, your credit card has been deactivated or suspended. Go to this link for help!” Maybe you’re in a hurry, or maybe the message looks like it’s from a trusted source such as your bank. However, when you visit the website (the hook), you’ve unwittingly given the criminals access to your device, and they can attach dangerous spyware, malware, viruses, or spam to your device that gives them control of it and instant access to your personal (possibly financial) data.

Who's Looking Out for You and What Should You Do?

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has consumer advisories on international and text message scams.

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also provides information on phone scams and spam.

• The National Fraud Information Center (NFIC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) say these scams can potentially cost victims lots of money, and continue to monitor these illicit activities.

• All major U.S. wireless companies invest substantial resources developing and implementing spam blocking technologies so you can safely use your device with your personal and financial data secure. But as SMS and MMS messaging usage continues to increase, they recommend to always use caution when you see a suspicious message or unknown contact pop up.

• If you believe you’ve unwittingly been a victim of a scam like this, contact your carrier immediately. You should also file a complaint with the FCC and/or FTC, and report the activity to the NFIC and BBB to help save other consumers from becoming wireless call/text scam victims.


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