|
Quick Answers...Fraud/Scams |
I have heard about a scam involving messages left on voice mail or pagers. What is it about?
Too many Missourians have been victims of having a message
left on their voice mail, E-Mail or pager requesting an
urgent response. The messages all have the same theme - the
person is urged to call a telephone number to find out about
a "sick" relative, claim a prize, or to settle an unpaid
account. Too many have dialed the number assuming it's a
legitimate business call and have been put on hold listening
to recorded chatter or other delaying tactics.
The calls too often turn out to be to a foreign country
with area codes such as 809, 284 or 876. International phone
charges are charged the whole time - which may be as much as
$25 per minute.
Before returning any "urgent" calls, check the area code
first. If you never call abroad, ask your long distance
providers to block outgoing international calls. Report
suspicious phone charges as soon as possible to the Federal
Communications Commission,
www.fcc.gov/cgb.
Written by: Cynthia E. Crawford, Ph.D., Family Financial Education Specialist, University of Missouri-Extension
Can't Find Your Question Here? Try Searching Our Quick Answer Knowledge Base
Last update: Wednesday, April 19, 2006
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|