Your phone rings once, stops before you can answer, and leaves an unfamiliar number on your screen. Was it a doctor’s office, a family member calling from a different phone, or someone trying to reach you about an important matter? For many people, the natural reaction is to call back and find out.
However, that split-second decision could turn a harmless-looking missed call into an expensive mistake. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have warned consumers about one-ring phone scams, a scheme designed to exploit curiosity and encourage people to return unfamiliar calls. Unlike traditional phone scams that involve convincing someone to share personal information, this scheme can generate money simply by getting someone to dial a costly number. Here’s what you need to know about how these calls work, which warning signs to recognize, and what to do if you’ve already called back.
