Consumer Watchdog - Telephone Scams

Be on guard for the latest in scams. As much as we would like to believe that we can all get along together in an honest and open manner, we have to admit that there are a number of unscrupulous people who try to take advantage of the unsuspecting. Beware of the telephone scam!!!

The newest wrinkle involves telephone calls from some Caribbean countries. You are requested to return a call, usually involving some type of crisis. High interest words like emergency, family problem, accident, long lost relative, etc. are used. This is the hook used to get you to call back. Invariably you are hooked up to someone who doesn't understand what you are saying, or speaks a different language, or broken English......BUT, here's the catch, they keep you on the line as long as possible.

When you get your next phone bill, you will find a charge of $100.00 or more. WHAT? The charges are billed by a phone company in that country and appear on your next bill as charges for the phone call, much like a dial-a-whatever arrangement where you pay by the minute. This scam was reported to be operating out of countries with an area code of 809, at last report.

So, if you get a request to call out of country, or a collect call, DON'T call back or accept the call. Already done it? Call your local Better Business Bureau to register your complaint. While they may not be able to get your money back, they can bring your complaint forward to regulatory authorities for the future.

Article by Marg Spina

Back to The Consumer Finance Page

Return to The Homepage