Consumer Alert: Don't fall victim to 'one ring' scam, could cost you $20

OLYMPIA -- In a consumer alert issued Monday, state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said that if you get a missed mobile call from A a strange number from Antigua, Jamaica or some other Caribbean island, don't call back.

Ferguson said scammers are placing thousands of calls to random mobile numbers around the United States. The phone rings once and then disconnects. The con men hope you will call the number back out of curiosity, because you are then connected to a paid international adult entertainment service, 'chat' line or other premium service located outside the country and charged $19.95 for an international call fee and an additional $9 per minute.

A consumer who contacted Ferguson's office reported his caller ID indicated the call originated in Antigua or Barbuda (area code 268). Other consumers around the country report calls from other Caribbean area cods.

"The AGO recommends to think twice before answering unknown mobile calls -- if you don't recognize the number, don't answer the phone. If it's a legitimate call, they will leave a voice mail," the attorney general's website said.