Callbacks Used In International Revenue Share Fraud
The callback fraud is known as a “one ring” scam because the calls typically ring just once. The recipient calls the number back and is greeted with a message designed to keep them on the line, such as “Hello, you have reached the operator, please hold.” While you wait on hold, you are being charged for international phone fees starting at around $20 per minute. The longer you wait, the more you are charged.
Because the call you received started with a three-digit area code, you assumed that it came from within the United States, but it was actually placed from another country that shares our area code system, usually in the Caribbean. Recipients do not realize they are calling an international number and that they will be billed for an international call. Businesses are also victims because recipients often use their work telephone to make the return call.
Telephone companies in the United States are charged when a return call is made because they are required to pay a fee to transfer calls to foreign countries. The payment is then shared with the fraudster who spoofed the calls.
Area codes used in this scam are part of the North American Numbering Plan and do not require 011 to be dialed as with other international calls.
Beware these area codes:
• Anguilla – 264
• Antigua – 268
• Barbados – 246
• British Virgin Islands – 284
• The Commonwealth of Dominica – 767
• Dominican Republic – 809, 829, 849
• Grenada – 473
• Jamaica – 876
• Montserrat – 664
• The Turks and Caicos Islands – 649.
There is no charge for receiving these calls but do NOT return the call
Companies that do not conduct business with companies in the above-mentioned countries may want to consider blocking these area codes to avoid this type of charge.