General News: Missed Calls Phone Scam Warning
February 13, 2014
from County Executive Steve Neuhaus and County Consumer Affairs and Weights and Measures Commissioner Charles Mitchell
Goshen, NY – County Executive Steve Neuhaus and County Consumer Affairs and Weights and Measures Commissioner Charles Mitchell today sent out a warning to all Orange County residents to be aware of the “missed call” on their cell phone or landline. A new scam charges unlucky recipients who call back a service fee – sometimes as much as $30. The scamsters are based overseas, according to media reports.
The message from County Executive Neuhaus and Commissioner Mitchell is simple: If you do not know the number calling your cell phone, do not pick it up. Let it go to voice mail and then you can decide if you want to call it back.
Victims have reported heavy charges showing up on their bills. That’s because once you call the number back, your carrier takes this as authorization to charge an international rate. If these scam artists can get 100 people to call them back, that amounts to a quick $3,000. The more people call them back, the more money they make.
“These numbers look like US numbers,” said Commissioner Mitchell. “They come in as regular 10-digit numbers, not the usual international numbers. Once you make the return call, you’re on the hook for the money.”
“When you see a number on your caller ID that you do not recognize, don’t pick it up or call it back. Instead, wait for a voice message and call back once you know the identity of the caller,” said County Executive Neuhaus.
If you have a consumer complaint or a weights and measures issue, please immediately contact the Orange County Office of Consumer Affairs and Weights and Measures at 845-360-6700 or visit www.co.orange.ny.us to learn more.
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