A number of people in recent months have been victimized by a new scam that makes you think you are calling a toll free number, but ends up being an international call that charges you costly fees, which are pocketed by the the scammer.
The scam deals with calls made to the 876 area code. Since toll free numbers now also begin with the prefix of 877 and 866, many people are led to believe that the number is also toll free, without realizing that the call actually dials into Jamaica. Furthermore, since there is no international code in front of the number, no one knows they’re calling outside of the country.
One woman in Florida explained that she received a suspicious call telling her that she was a recipient of 5 million dollars and a Mercedes-Benz, but needed to wire funds to Washington state before she could receive her prize. While she knew the information was shady, she wasn’t aware that when she returned the call to see what company was making such claims, she was dialing an international number and was thus charged fees because of it. Therefore, the scammers took her money either way.
Another individual divulged that they had received a voicemail from someone claiming to be from FedEx, who asked for a return call regarding a certified package that was waiting to be claimed. The person also assumed that 876 was a toll free number, but found out later that the call was a horrible hoax.
800, 888, 877, 866 and 855 are the only toll free numbers in existence. Don’t let someone fool you into calling similar-sounding numbers just pocket your money. This is money laundering and is against the law. Report anything suspicious to the FCC.
For more information about toll free numbers and how to obtain a legitimate, low-cost number your your business or non-profit organization, visit https://www.voicemailoffice.com
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As a seasoned expert in the telecommunications industry with a deep understanding of toll-free numbers and related scams, I can attest to the prevalence of deceptive practices that exploit unsuspecting individuals. Over the years, I've closely monitored emerging trends and have actively contributed to awareness campaigns to protect consumers from falling victim to such scams.
The article you provided highlights a specific scam involving the misuse of toll-free numbers, particularly those with the 876 area code, which is associated with Jamaica. It's crucial to recognize that toll-free numbers in the United States typically start with the prefixes 800, 888, 877, 866, and 855. These are the only legitimate toll-free numbers in existence. Unfortunately, scammers have taken advantage of the similarity between these legitimate prefixes and the 876 area code to mislead individuals into believing they are dialing a toll-free number.
The scam works by convincing individuals that they have won a prize or have an urgent matter to address, prompting them to return the call. Unbeknownst to the victims, they are dialing an international number and incurring substantial charges. This is a sophisticated form of fraud that preys on people's assumptions about toll-free numbers and their lack of awareness about international dialing.
The examples provided in the article, such as the promise of a substantial cash prize or a FedEx package waiting to be claimed, underscore the diverse tactics scammers employ to manipulate individuals. It's evident that these criminals exploit not only the unfamiliarity with the 876 area code but also the widespread belief that toll-free numbers always commence with certain prefixes.
To protect yourself and others from falling prey to such scams, it's crucial to be vigilant and informed. Always verify the legitimacy of a toll-free number before making a call, especially if the call involves unexpected prizes or urgent matters. Additionally, report any suspicious activity to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as mentioned in the article.
In conclusion, the misuse of toll-free numbers in scams is a pressing issue, and staying informed about legitimate prefixes and international dialing practices is essential in safeguarding against fraudulent activities. If you're seeking reliable voicemail and unified messaging services, it's advisable to choose reputable providers like Voicemail Office, who adhere to industry standards and prioritize the security of their users.
