Be careful what you dial because you may end up racking up a large telephone bill. Today’s fraudsters are getting smarter and smarter using telephone scams to maximize their take of your money. The March issue of the AARP Bulletin uncovers the newest ways that thieves are increasing their profit and your telephone bill:
. The Bait: The fraudsters say you’ve won a lottery or a free vacation. The come-ons to call may arrive by letter, email or voice mail. If you dial, expect to be hit with a pitch to wire an upfront fee or disclose personal information.
. Beware of Area Codes 284, 809 or 876: For these calls, you’ll typically pay $1.49 to $3.99 per minute, depending on the plan and carrier. You’re never told this, but the numbers function like American “premium rate” lines that use the 900 area code, with sky-high rates that are split between phone companies and those who operate the lines
. Keeping You On the Line: Their goal is to keep you on the line as long as possible in order to maximize their take- even if you don’t reveal any other information. You’ll endure long holds, frequent transfers, and lots of small talk so they can keep you on the line and charge you more.
. Fighting Back: Trying to contest a charge with your telephone company may get you nowhere. In that case, you can go to the Federal Communications Commission website or call the FCC Consumer Center to try and get the charges voided and to help build a case for tougher regulations
. Your Best Strategy: Never call back a strange long-distance number. Make sure to look up the area code by going online or checking the area code charts in the front section of your phone book.
Full article: http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-03-2012/area-code-scam-alert.html
