FCC warns of ‘one ring’ phone scams

Federal authorities are warning of a scam that doesn’t try to get you to answer robocalls — it tries to get you to return them.

With the “one ring” scam, your phone may ring briefly and then stop. If you don’t recognize the number, do not call it back, the Federal Communications Commission warns.

“If you call any such number, you risk being connected to a phone number outside the U.S.,” the commission said. “As a result, you may wind up being charged a fee for connecting, along with significant per-minute fees for as long as they can keep you on the phone. These charges may show up on your bill as premium services.”

One ring calls may appear to be from international callers, including initial digits that resemble U.S. area codes. Scammers may also use spoofing techniques to further mask the number on your caller ID.

Variations of the scam include phony voicemail messages that urge you to call a number with an unfamiliar area code to “collect a prize” or to notify you of a “sick relative,” the FCC said.

If you’re billed for one of these calls, first try and resolve the issue with your phone company. You can also file a complaint with the FCC.