TALLAHASSEE, Fla (WFLA) – A new warning for Floridians about a phone scam making the rounds.
Here’s how it works: The scammers call people and hang up after one ring from an international number that appears to come from within the U.S.
If you call the number back, the scammers try to keep you on the phone to rack up international fees, that they receive a portion of.
“Scammers will try anything to separate you from your hard-earned money. Don’t fall for this crafty new scam. If you do not recognize a number, do not call it back, and if something seems suspicious, report it to my office immediately or contact the Federal Communications Commission,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said.
According to the FCC, variations of the scam involve the scammer leaving a voice message requesting a return call in order to schedule a delivery or obtain urgent information about a sick relative. For more information, click here.
How to avoid this scam
- Don’t answer or return any calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
- Before calling unfamiliar numbers, check to see if the area code is international.
- If you do not make international calls, ask your phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.
- Always be cautious, even if a number appears authentic.