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Avoiding Phone Scams

Collect Calling

How it works: A simple scam, it continues to pop up around the country. What generally happens is you receive a call from an operator asking you to accept an urgent collect call. While most customers won't accept a call if they don't recognize the name, some do because they worry it might be from a friend or relative who is in trouble. Once you agree to accept the call, though, you will be billed for the charges.

How to protect yourself: Never accept a collect call from someone you don't know. If you are unsure, request that the operator ask the caller a few questions to determine the identity of the caller. Most of the time, these additional questions will cause the person making the call to hang up.

Calling Card Number Theft

How it works: Someone uses your calling card number to make their own long distance calls while you pay the bill. The theft happens in a number of ways. Someone calls posing as a representative of your phone company and asks for your calling card number for verification purposes. Another common scenario is that someone watches or listens as you punch in or read your calling card number at any pay phone.

How to protect yourself: Protect your calling card number the same way you would protect your credit card information. Verizon and other major telecom companies never need to ask you for calling card number; they already have it. If this happens, ask questions and ask for a callback number. In most cases, the caller will hang up. When dialing your card number into a pay phone, cover your actions with your body. If you suspect someone nearby is eavesdropping or watching, stop until they move away. Commit your PIN to memory; don't carry the PIN for your calling card in your wallet.

Be aware that if Verizon senses heavy and unprecedented usage on your calling card, we put a stop on the card and will call you to verify the usage. We will issue you another card number and you can begin using it right away. You will not be responsible for fraudulent charges. If your calling card is ever lost or stolen, report it immediately.

Third Number Billing

How it works: You receive a call from an operator asking you if the charges for a call being placed by someone you know can be placed on your phone bill. This is known as third-party billing. Often, the operator will repeat a persuasive argument from the third-party and try to convince you the person is in trouble. If you accept the third-party charges, you will find the charges on your bill.

How to protect yourself: Never accept the charges unless you are absolutely certain you know the person. Ask questions and be suspicious. Most phone companies will allow you to place a "block" on your phone, preventing such charges from being assessed.

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