DON’T ANSWER Unknown Calls From These Area Codes in Michigan

How often do you get calls from numbers you don't recognize? For many Michiganders, this happens multiple times a day. Myself included.

Related: Michigan Lost Millions to Imposters: Ranking States for Online Scams

I, like so many other folks who live in Michigan, receive so many unsolicited calls throughout the day that, if I don't recognize the number, I don't answer it. Based on recent efforts by criminals, that's the right thing to do.

The 'One Ring' Phone Scam: How Not to Be Tricked

Think of the 'One Ring' phone scam as someone tricking you into calling a 1-900 number (remember those?). The scammer will call your phone and let it ring once. Taking advantage of Michigander's fear of missing out, the hope is that you will immediately call back.

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Once you hit redial, you are connected to an international number that charges high fees that you'll eventually see on your bill. Call costs range from $3 to $7 per minute, so if you do fall victim to the 'One Ring' scam, the person answering the phone may claim to not hear you well and ask you to call back. See how this can really start to add up?

Here is a list of both domestic and international area codes that have been tied to the 'One Ring' scam and therefore should just be sent to voicemail, unless you recognize the number:

Domestic Area Codes With Ties to One Ring Scam

• 216: Cleveland Ohio
• 469: Dallas, Texas
• 657: La Palma, California
• 332: New York City
• 347: New York City
• 646: New York City
• 218: Northern Minnesota
• 712: Western Iowa

Related: Michigan Seniors Targeted in Romance-Catfishing Scams

International Area Codes With Ties to One Ring Scam

• 232: Sierra Leone
• 268: Antigua and Barbuda
• 284: British Virgin Islands
• 473: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique
• 649: Turks and Caicos Islands
• 664: Montserrat
• 767: Commonwealth of Dominica
• 809, 829, 849: Dominican Republic
• 876: Jamaica

Keep an eye out for potential scam area codes and resist the urge to call back an unknown number. Chances are if they really need something, they'll send a text. If you feel you've fallen victim to or there have been attempts to steal money via the One Ring scam or other ploy, you can report it to the State of Michigan and FTC by clicking here.