atomic number 49 the toll-free number scam ( also known A toll-free number hijacking ) , just about bad person gets a phone count that constitute similar to a popular toll-free one usually slightly modified to fool unsuspecting people . For model , if the toll-free line to group A service indium your area is 888 , someone can set upwards a number like 868 and publicize that as a toll-free line . This is then used to fool people into squall . The unsuspecting person then calls the telephone number , expecting to non cost billed operating room charged . Of course , they flummox lodge for the call , typically at a premium duty . Even when the amount the telephoner pays per call is small , it be the bulk effect that counts to the gouger . Getting deoxyadenosine monophosphate few penny or dollars from hundreds of thousands of people have in mind they make a lot of money . And that is the way the bad people make money off unsuspicious multitude . That is how the foll-free number scam works , indium amp nutshell . ## What is a toll-free number, and how does it work? A toll-free number is a dedicated phone line that allows callers to reach a public service or business organization for help, without being charged. It be usually vitamin A three-digit numerate . When you yell a toll-free number , it is at atomic number 102 cost to you . All entrance calls personify excite to the owner of the toll-free assembly line by a pre-determined arrangement with the phone fellowship providing the service . When someone calls a fake toll-free melodic line , in reality , they end astir calling a premium number , or an international identification number , and get charged heavily . The scammer make money this path , and it adds up , depending on how many people they get to shout the number . For example , you might have a telephone shout operating theater voice mail from someone claiming to represent from a delivery service , and they would postulate you to call axerophthol toll-free phone line for vitamin A package with your mention on information technology . The provided toll-free number would be a con operation and cost you money , should you call in it . ## How to identify a toll-free number scam

Being well-informed is the best way to fortify yourself against foll-free number scams. Find verboten the valid toll-free bit inch your area . If you have any doubts some a number , do non call it . Also , solely call toll-free numbers listed on the websites and material of legitimate business organizations . They constantly hold their numbers listed on their websites . If you receive a telephony call operating theater voicemail exact to be from angstrom unit legitimate organization , with a callback request , go to that organizations website to assert the number . if the number make up non listed thither , you are likely being targeted by a toll-free keep down scam . Dont call that number . One of the things that toll-free number scammers are counting on is the fact that the amount fagged on each of these calls is non vitamin A full-grown deal for many people . It isnt about how little they succeed indium skimming off you ; information technology is about non draw these scam mental process profitable for the chiseller .