📞 Have you ever received a call that rang just once and then stopped? If you don't recognize the number, DO NOT call it back! You may be the target of a dangerous "one-ring" phone scam that could cost you hundreds of dollars. 💸
As your trusted REALTOR®, I want to make sure my clients and fellow agents are protected from this increasingly common scam. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe! 🛡️
🚨 What is the 'One Ring' Phone Scam?
For illegal robocallers, the goal isn't always getting you to answer. Sometimes, it's getting you to call back.
Here's how it works:
📱 Your phone rings once and then stops
❓ The number looks unfamiliar (but may appear to be from the U.S.)
🪝 You call back out of curiosity
💰 You're connected to an international premium-rate number
📄 You get charged hefty connection fees + per-minute charges
These charges may show up on your phone bill as premium services, international calling, or toll-calling - and they can add up FAST! 😱
🌍 How Scammers Disguise International Numbers
Savvy scammers often use international numbers from regions that begin with three-digit codes that look like U.S. area codes:
🔢 "232" → Sierra Leone
🔢 "809" → Dominican Republic
🔢 "876" → Jamaica
🔢 "284" → British Virgin Islands
Scammers may also use spoofing techniques to further mask the number in your caller ID display, making it look like a local or familiar number. 🎭
📧 Voicemail Variations of This Scam
Some scammers leave phony voicemail messages urging you to call back:
📦 "Call to schedule a delivery"
🏥 "Your relative is sick - call immediately"
🎁 "You've won a prize - call to claim it"
⚖️ "Legal matter requires your attention"
Don't fall for it! Legitimate businesses and family members will leave detailed messages or contact you through verified channels. ✅
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from the One Ring Scam
Follow these simple rules to stay safe:
✅ Don't answer or return calls from numbers you don't recognize
✅ Before calling unfamiliar numbers, check if the area code is international (Google "area code [number]")
✅ Ask your phone company to block outgoing international calls if you don't make them regularly
✅ Be cautious even if a number appears authentic - scammers use spoofing!
✅ Let unknown calls go to voicemail - legitimate callers will leave a message
✅ Add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov
💰 What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you are billed for a call you made as a result of this scam:
Step 1: Contact Your Phone Company
📞 Call your carrier immediately and dispute the charges
📄 Request a detailed breakdown of the charges
💬 Explain that you were a victim of a phone scam
Step 2: File a Complaint with the FCC
If you can't resolve it with your phone company, file a free complaint with the Federal Communications Commission:
🌐 consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
Step 3: File a Complaint with the FTC
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission:
🌐 reportfraud.ftc.gov
🏡 Why I'm Sharing This with My Clients & Fellow Agents
As a REALTOR® serving Kingman, Golden Valley, and Mohave County, Arizona, I'm committed to protecting my clients - not just in real estate transactions, but in all aspects of their lives. 💙
Real estate transactions involve sharing phone numbers with multiple parties - lenders, title companies, inspectors, contractors, and more. Scammers know this and may target people who are actively buying or selling property. 🏠
Stay vigilant, stay protected, and never call back unknown numbers! 🛡️
📞 Questions? I'm Here to Help!
If you ever receive suspicious calls related to a real estate transaction, or if you're unsure whether a call is legitimate, reach out to me directly:
📱 Call/Text: 928-391-8371
🌐 Website: rachelsrealestate.com
📧 Email: rachel@rachelsrealestate.com
I'm always here to help keep you safe and informed! 💪
Stay safe out there, and remember: when in doubt, don't call back! ✨