Telephone Scam Targets Hispanic Communities
A telephone scam is costing Hispanic residents around the country large sums of money. The scammer might pretend to be an operator, say he or she is calling collect from a family member or tell the recipient of the call that there is a family emergency.
The person who accepts the call then is charged a lot of money, even when they talk only for a minute or two. Once the target is connected and realizes the call is a fraud, he or she hangs up the phone, but is charged anyway.
Or, even if someone refuses the call they still may be charged. Sometimes the fake operator puts the call through without waiting for the target to accept the call.
FCC Sends Out Alert
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued the alert, saying the calls were being received by persons living in Spanish-speaking communities in California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas. The fake calls are, reportedly, originating in Mexico.
The FCC says when someone receives such a call, before accepting it, he or she should ask to speak with the person to verify if the call is genuine by recognizing the caller’s voice. That is, the recipient of the call should ask the operator to allow the caller to say his name.
Consumers should carefully check their phone bills to be sure the charges are accurate and contact the FCC to file a complaint for any fraudulent charges. Filing a complaint is free.
File a Complaint with the FCC
To file a complaint, consumers may do any of the following:
- Use an online complaint form at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
- Email the FCC’s Consumer Center at fccinfo@fcc.gov
- Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) for voice
- Call 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) for TTY
- Fax 1-866-418-0232
For more information or to speak with a Central Florida attorney about your experience, contact McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A. today.
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