FRANKFORT — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is warning cell phone users to be aware of a new scam called “The One-Ring Scam.”Â
Better Business Bureaus (BBB) across the country are seeing a rash of reports of “ring and runs” on cell phones where returning a missed call from an unknown number may end up costing you.
KSP spokesman Sgt. Michael Webb said in a press release that scammers profit from individuals who are curious enough to return the missed call.
“A computer program, originating outside the U.S., dials American customers and lets the phone ring one or two times before hanging up,” Webb said.
“Many people who receive a missed call will return the call, and that is when their account is charged approximately $20 for the call and $9 for every additional minute,” Webb explained.
BBB experts say this is called “phone cramming,” when automated dialers send out thousands of calls to random numbers. Most of the area codes are from the Caribbean Islands, but BBB says there is no way for them to really know where the calls are coming from.
Webb advises citizens to refrain from returning calls they do not recognize, and to review their cell phone statements for any unauthorized charges.
The following is a list of area codes the BBB said is connected with the scam:
Dominican Republic, 809
Jamaica, 876
British Virgin Islands, 284
Grenada, 473
Aruba, 297
Antigua, 473
Source: Press Release
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