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wtf...got a strange call on my cell phone

N

neonerd

Diamond Member
I got a call from a 617 area code number (boston) during school hours, so I couldn't pick up. I just got home, and went to call back using my vonage line. It seemed like it was taking an awfully long time for it to reach the number, and all of a sudden it goes "Your settings do not permit you to make international calls". Is this a new type of scam? I was afraid of something like this, so when I just got vonage, I disabled international calling.

If this is a scam, I'm just suggesting everybody here does the same...you can enable it if you ever need it for anything.

Anybody know what this was? I looked up the number on google, and it was some "Adult Contemporary Music Station" 😕
 
maybe it was a radio station in the UK calling up a random american number to talk an american. I know a couple morning radio shows that do that here.
 
Originally posted by: Merlyn3D
maybe it was a radio station in the UK calling up a random american number to talk an american. I know a couple morning radio shows that do that here.
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It's so classic when they do that on Radio 1, only problem with that is you're behind us, so when it's morning here you're all tucked up in bed.
 
Originally posted by: DnaJ
Originally posted by: Merlyn3D
maybe it was a radio station in the UK calling up a random american number to talk an american. I know a couple morning radio shows that do that here.
Click to expand...

It's so classic when they do that on Radio 1, only problem with that is you're behind us, so when it's morning here you're all tucked up in bed.
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This happened during the daytime, and it was from a 617 area code (local boston) number 😕
 
Originally posted by: neonerd
This happened during the daytime, and it was from a 617 area code (local boston) number 😕
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Perhaps a midnight DJ?

It sounds scammish though. I know that somehow international calls can work like 900 numbers if done properly. I just wonder how well the charges would hold up if the call is forwarded from a number that appears to be in-country?

Of course the people getting the money probably don't care. Forwarding a number like that is almost certainly illegal. They're probably just waiting for the right time to cut and run so the phone companies can't collect from 'em.
 
Did they leave a voice mail, or did you just call the number?

I still can't figure out why people get so concerned about numbers that call them. If it was actually something important, they would leave a voice mail or call you back.
 
Originally posted by: yukichigai
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
Maybe some kind of variation on the old 809 area code scam?
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I don't remember that scam. 'splain.
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http://www.scambusters.org/809Scam.html
The "809" scam has many permutations but they all involve a message to you (either by email, phone or pager) that you immediately call or fax a number in the "809" area code or some other area code in the Caribbean. Examples of why you should call or fax the phone number include avoiding litigation, receiving information about someone who has been arrested or died, winning a wonderful prize, or getting a job.

The "809" area code is in the Caribbean, yet most people are not aware that they are making an international call when they dial the "809" area code, since you simply dial 1-809-xxx-xxxx to make the call. No international codes are required.

The problem comes from the fact that some phone numbers in the "809" area code are "pay-per-call" numbers (such as 900 numbers in the US) - but there are no legal requirements that callers be informed that they are being charged extra in the Caribbean. When you return one of these "pay-per-call" 809 calls, the scamsters try to keep you on the phone as long as possible, and you may be charged very high rates for the call, reportedly up to $25 per minute.
Click to expand...
 
Originally posted by: Kyteland
Originally posted by: yukichigai
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
Maybe some kind of variation on the old 809 area code scam?
Click to expand...
I don't remember that scam. 'splain.
Click to expand...
http://www.scambusters.org/809Scam.html
The "809" scam has many permutations but they all involve a message to you (either by email, phone or pager) that you immediately call or fax a number in the "809" area code or some other area code in the Caribbean. Examples of why you should call or fax the phone number include avoiding litigation, receiving information about someone who has been arrested or died, winning a wonderful prize, or getting a job.

The "809" area code is in the Caribbean, yet most people are not aware that they are making an international call when they dial the "809" area code, since you simply dial 1-809-xxx-xxxx to make the call. No international codes are required.

The problem comes from the fact that some phone numbers in the "809" area code are "pay-per-call" numbers (such as 900 numbers in the US) - but there are no legal requirements that callers be informed that they are being charged extra in the Caribbean. When you return one of these "pay-per-call" 809 calls, the scamsters try to keep you on the phone as long as possible, and you may be charged very high rates for the call, reportedly up to $25 per minute.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

this isn't the same because 617 is the area code for boston and the surrounding towns. It's not an area code for another country or anything, but it sounds like it is a similar idea... the 617 number forwards you to an international call and bills you.
 
Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
this isn't the same because 617 is the area code for boston and the surrounding towns. It's not an area code for another country or anything, but it sounds like it is a similar idea... the 617 number forwards you to an international call and bills you.
Click to expand...

I was under the impression that the person who fowards the call ends up paying the charges while the caller pays local rates.

Because the law firm I worked with lobbied against several politicians who took soft money. So the lawyer paid for several local numbers and forwarded them to the politician's domestic long distance numbers. Then he sent out tons of postcards telling people to call to complain.

Well, I guess that's the last time I return an unknown number.
 
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