For illegal robocallers, the goal isn’t always getting you to answer. Sometimes, it’s getting you to call back.

Your phone rings once, then stops. You check the phone and don’t recognize the number. Don’t call back! You could be the target of a one-ring scam. In this scenario, the scammer is trying to get you to call back. The scammers are often calling from out of the country, but they disguise the callback number to appear to be from the U.S. And if you call back, you could be hit with significant toll charges on your phone bill, including connection fees, per-minute long distance charges, and international calling fees.

CONSUMER TIPS:

  • 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.
  • Always be cautious, even if a number appears authentic.

File a complaint with the FCC if you received these calls: www.fcc.gov/complaints.