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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDon't call back this "missed call" from an unfamiliar number
Think twice before returning a missed call from a number you dont know.
The scheme works by robocallers letting the phone ring once, to show up as a missed call.
Victims who call the number back are then connected to a paid adult entertainment service located overseas. The calls typical cost victims $19.95 for an international call fee, plus $9 or more per minute.
The BBB said the scam calls usually come from outside the United States, but include area codes that appear as if they are regular long distance calls. The calls are coming in from area codes 268, 809, 876, 284 and 473.
http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/243818961.html
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I usually google that number and find out many comments about spam.
BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)If a person can't take 10 seconds to tell me why they are calling, I sure won't waste any time calling them back whether I recognize the number or not. The only exception I might make is a family member or an elderly person who might reasonably dial my number if they are in some distress (stroke or something).
shedevil69taz
(512 posts)You don't leave a voicemail you get no return phonecall.
BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)question everything
(47,487 posts)but hung up upon hearing the greeting, realizing that the number was the personal, not the business number.
Of course, that person did call back our "missing call" and my spouse explained..
SheilaT
(23,156 posts)It's what I tell the people who call me at work, which is the information desk at the local hospital. They'll tell me someone called from the hospital, thank you caller ID, but they don't know who it was and want me to figure it out for them. I always say that if it's important enough the person will call back and leave a message.
2naSalit
(86,650 posts)they are expecting a call from a number they aren't familiar with like when waiting for an interview call from a potential employer or even for their SNAP interview that you don't get more than 15 minutes to return, the consequence of which could be additional weeks trying to get accepted into the program when you're hungry. There could be costly consequences. The key would be the single ring... but if you weren't near your phone and only heard one ring and thought it was the last in a series...
The best thing to do is check the number somehow, like online as suggested, if one has access. There are times when a person might be inclined to return such a call that wouldn't render them condemnation and ridicule.
Thanks for the warning about these calls.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)I thought my doctor was calling me.