Hold the phone! Advocate urges people to hang up on con artist calls

With the proliferation of phone scams targeting people nationwide, consumer advocate Lisa McCormick issued a stark warning to New Jersey residents about an escalating threat that could result in substantial financial losses.

The latest scheme, known as the "one-ring" scam, has been identified as a significant risk to cell phone users, potentially leaving them saddled with exorbitant charges on their bills.

In light of this concerning trend, Lisa McCormick emphasizes the importance of staying informed and vigilant against deceptive tactics employed by scammers.

"The 'one-ring' scam preys on individuals' curiosity and trust, leading them to inadvertently return calls to unknown numbers, only to incur hefty charges," stated McCormick. "As a consumer advocate, I hope to raise awareness and empower you to protect yourself against such fraudulent activities."

The scam operates by utilizing auto-dialers to place brief calls to cell phone numbers across the country, often displaying three-digit area codes resembling domestic calls.

Afterward, recipients often return the missed call, believing it to be legitimate or out of curiosity. However, the return call results in steep charges, including per-minute fees and international rates.

"I urge New Jersey residents to exercise caution when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, especially those displaying suspicious area codes," McCormick cautioned. "Taking simple precautions such as verifying unknown numbers through online directories can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this scam."

If consumers have unwittingly incurred charges as a result of the 'one-ring' scam, McCormick advises promptly contacting their cell phone carrier for resolution.

Additionally, affected individuals are encouraged to file complaints with relevant authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission.

As part of her ongoing efforts to protect consumers from fraudulent activities, McCormick underscores the importance of regularly reviewing phone bills for any unauthorized charges.

"By remaining vigilant and proactive, consumers can safeguard themselves against financial exploitation and thwart the scammers," said McCormick, who took nearly four of ten votes away from corrupt incumbent Robert Menendez in the 2018 Democratic primary for US Senate.