Beware of the "One-Ring" Phone Scam

We are looking forward to the day when we can say with confidence that scams are a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, today is not that day. We've learned that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is warning people about the “one-ring” phone scam. Fraudsters often target older adults.

This scam works exactly as the name implies. Scammers call your number, let your phone ring once, and then hang up.

Their goal is to get you to call back. It's human nature to check caller ID to see who the caller was and then to call them back. The fraudsters want you to call back. You'll incur HIGH long distance phone charges when you do.

Many reports indicate that the calls are coming from area codes from West Africa. If you get a call like this, authorities recommend blocking the number and NOT calling the number back.

What else can you do to protect yourself from phone scams?

Don't answer the phone if you don't recognize the number.
If you ignore a call from a number you don't recognized, resist the temptation to call back.
Be vigilant, even when a number appears to be legitimate. Scammers often "spoof" phone numbers. They can even make it seem like the call is coming from your own phone number.
Report scam or suspicious calls to the FCC.
If you never make international calls, call your phone company and request a block on international numbers.