The One Ring Scam

It's easy to fall victim to this scam. I know that if someone calls my cell phone, and it rings for just one time, I'll often call back. But I don't do it anymore!

Don't call this number. It's called the one-ring scam. And if you fall for it, it will cost you a lot of money. Here's the scam: You receive a call on your cell phone from area code 473. The caller hangs up after a single ring, hoping you'll call back. And if curiosity gets the better of you and you call back, you've been scammed. (In another scenario, the caller stays on long enough for you to answer and then hangs up, enticing you to return the call.) Forbes reports that while area code 473 appears to be a domestic phone number, it is not. It is actually for the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Even though the area code uses country code 1 like the United States, numbers placed to 473 are international calls--and can be very pricey. How much? The rate can exceed $20 for the first minute. This isn't the only area code pulling this scam. Others include 242, 246, 264, 268, 284, 345, 441, 473, 649, 664, 758, 767, 784, 809, 829, 849, 868, 876 and 869.

So be warned!