Scam Alert: Do Not Answer Calls or Texts From These Area Codes

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If you receive a call or text message on your cell phone from an unfamiliar area code, proceed with caution!

The Federal Communications Commission warns that the “One Ring” or “Wangiri” scam that Clark.com has told you about over the years has resurfaced — and it’s coming after your money.

Warning: This Old Phone Scam Is Back

According to news reports in May 2019, the calls are using the “222” country code of the West African nation of Mauritania.

Robocalls have been targeting specific area codes in bursts, sometimes calling repeatedly in the middle of the night. The scammers are trying to prompt consumers to call the number back.

Those who return the calls end up with expensive per minute toll charges that are similar to a 900 number.

To be clear, consumers face no danger by receiving the message, but calling or texting back can be quite costly. You should NEVER call these numbers back.

The Federal Trade Commission previously linked these area codes to the scam: 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.

Bottom line: If you receive an unexpected call or text from an area code you don’t recognize, don’t answer it. Do a Google search to see where the number is registered. If it’s someone you know, they’ll call back.

Always be sure to review your cell phone bill carefully and contact your carrier about any suspicious charges.

If you or someone you know became a victim of the one ring scam, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission.

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