Local residents are being warned that they may be the target of a “one-ring” phone scam.
One-ring calls may appear to be from phone numbers somewhere in Canada, including three initial digits that resemble local area codes. But savvy scammers often use international numbers from regions that also begin with three-digit codes – for example, “232” goes to Sierra Leone and “809” goes to the Dominican Republic. Scammers may also use spoofing techniques to further mask the number in caller ID display. For illegal robocallers, the goal isn’t always getting you to answer. Sometimes, it’s getting you to call back.
If you call back, you risk being connected to a phone number outside the province. As a result, you may wind up being charged a fee for connecting, along with significant per-minute fees for as long as they can keep you on the phone. These charges may show up on your bill as premium services, international calling, or toll-calling.
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.
