781 305 5458 & 0117813055458 & 447813055458 #scam
Yesterday I wrote about a phone scam from the number: 447813055458. Naturally I don’t answer the phone unless I recognize the number. I just don’t like to talk on the phone – it’s difficult for me to hear and it’s awkward to hold and talk. Yesterday I kept sending the call to voice mail, but after the 3rd or 4th call I answered, immediately put the phone on Mute and just sat there listening to someone say “Hello! Hello!” After a few muted calls, they gave up …. and started again today, but with the calls coming from a different number 0117813055458 and the same number but with more 0’s 000117813055458.
So far the calls have come from: 781 305 5458 & 0117813055458 & 447813055458
The BBB has published a warning about these types of phone numbers and the scams that are run using them.
Here are a few highlights:
Consumers in several states report receiving calls on their mobile phones in which an unknown caller hangs up after one ring. When the cell owner returns the call, they are billed $19.95 for the international call fee. They may hear music or advertising while they are unknowingly connected to a caller-paid toll service or chat line located outside the country.
The Caribbean area codes that appear on the caller ID have been reported to be from the Dominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), British Virgin Islands (284), Grenada (473), Antigua (268), Dominica (767) and more.
They even have a name for this, it’s called “cramming”
The BBB advises the following tips to avoid these scams:
* Don’t Answer Unknown Calls. If you don’t recognize an out-of-state telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it.
* Add Restrictions to Your Account. Contact your service provider to see if you can restrict third-party billing on your account. Inform other users on your cellphone plan about this scam, and to ignore phone numbers they do not recognize.
* Understand Your Bills. Be sure to keep track of what services you pay for, that way you will be able to determine if any charges are unauthorized. By keeping a close eye on monthly statements, you will be less likely to become victim of these scams. Monitoring your bill is the best way to determine whether or not you’ve been affected. The sooner you spot any unexpected charges, the sooner you can stop them.
* Report Incorrect Charges Promptly. Many cardholders are protected by zero liability policies set in place by credit card companies. Request a new card if you notice unauthorized charges. Fraudulent charges mean your card information has been compromised. Be on the safe side and request a new card. Always be cautious about disclosing your account number on the telephone or online unless you know the person you’re dealing with represents a reputable company.
I reported the calls to Verizon, but because the numbers are international Wireless carriers are helpless to do anything about the problem.
Verizon did reiterate the BBB’s warning. DON’T ANSWER THE CALL and to call them if I spot any unauthorized charges on my bill.
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