Palos Park Police Warn of 'One-Ring' Cell Phone Scam

The following press release was submitted by the Palos Park Police Department:

PPPD has been advised residents are receiving the “one-ring” cell phone scam with increased frequency.

PPPD warns cell phone users of a scam that can result in unauthorized charges appearing on their monthly wireless statement.

It’s called the “One Ring” scam because the scammers program computers to send thousands of calls to random cell phone numbers, ring once and then disconnect. The scammers then hope you are curious enough about the phone call that you return the call right away.

When the cell phone owner returns the call, they are charged $19.95 for an international call fee. After that, there is a $9.00 per minute charge. It’s reported that often they will first hear music followed by advertising.

So, it’s easy to see how quickly these charges can add up. Consumers who have been duped by these calls report that they are coming from the Caribbean Islands including Grenada, Antigua, Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands.

If a person thinks they may have fallen for this scam, they should immediately alert their cell phone carrier and keep an eye on their cell phone bill. The earlier they document the fraud, the better their chances of having some or all of the charges removed.

The best thing to do if your phone rings and it’s an international number you don’t recognize, don’t answer it and don’t call back.