The Better Business Bureau is warning cell phone users about a new scam that can result in unauthorized charges on your next monthly wireless statement.
Consumers in several states have reported getting calls on their mobile phones in which the caller hangs up once they answer the phone. When cell phone owners call back, they are connected to a paid international adult entertainment service or chat line located outside the country. The victims are subsequently billed not only for the incoming international call if they answer but also the unwanted “premium service,” which typically appears as a $19.95 charge.
The area codes that have been attached to this scam that appear on the caller ID so far are from the Dominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), British Virgin Islands (284) and Grenada (473).
To avoid these cramming crimes, the BBB recommends if you don’t recognize an out-of-state telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it and if you do answer, do not call back. Check your wireless bills carefully and inform your carrier if you spot any unauthorized charges.
It is never safe to give your credit card or personal information over the phone, so be sure to know who you are communicating with before falling victim to these slick phishing schemes.
