Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning cell phone users about a new scam that can result in unauthorized charges appearing on their monthly wireless statement. It's called the "One Ring" scam because the scammers call cell phones, ring once and then disconnect. The scammers then hope you are curious enough about the call that you return the call right away.


Consumers in several states report getting these calls on their mobile phones and then the caller hangs up. When returning the call, they are connected to a paid international adult entertainment service or chat line located outside the country.

“As of yet, we have not had any local victims of this scam contact BBB, but given how rapidly this scam is spreading and growing across the country, it probably won’t be long,” said Mary Hawkes, Director of the BBB Yavapai Branch Office.

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Victims may subsequently be billed not only for the incoming international call if they answered, but also the unwanted “premium service,” which typically appears as a $19.95 charge. In some cases, crammers may only put a small charge of several dollars, so as not to arouse suspicion.

The area codes that appear on the caller ID often originate from the Dominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), British Virgin Islands (284), Grenada (473) and Antigua (268).

The practice of third parties placing unauthorized charges on wireless accounts is called “cramming.” The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have reviewed thousands of complaints about the practice, and expect the problem to grow.

Better Business Bureau recommends if you don’t recognize an out-of-country telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it and do not call back. Check your wireless bills carefully and inform your carrier immediately if you spot any unauthorized charges.