Don't Return Robocalls, FCC Warns

Returning a robocall can cost money. The FCC has warned consumers not to fall for a scam involving calls that ring once. The idea is to get people to call back, UPI reports, which can incur a toll charge like the one for calling a 900 number. That profits the scammers. The FCC said Friday that the 222 country code is being used. So unless you're expecting a call from the West African nation of Mauritania, just let it go. Spoofing, which makes it appear that a call is coming from the same area code and prefix as the person being called, is still a problem, too.

"The FCC is working to combat scam calls with enforcement actions, a strong push for caller ID authentication, and support for call blocking tools," the agency says. To be safe, the FCC suggests asking the phone company to block outbound international calls. In addition, the agency accepts complaints about unwanted calls and junk faxes. AT&T, which says the scam originated in Japan—where it's known as Wangari, for "one ring and cut"—offers more detailed advice here. (John Oliver pressured the FCC about robocalls.)