SCAM ALERT: Rochester Residents Should Not Answer Calls or Texts From These Area Codes (Updated)

Last month, someone tried to fool me with this exact same scam but because I'd read about this earlier I was able to blow it off with no harm done. 

Below is an updated list of area codes to avoid in case they come calling or texting for you.

People will stop at nothing to get your money, and that includes this scam.

A person on the other end of the line will ask you if I could hear him/her okay? All the person on the other end is just trying to get you to say is “Yes.”

Scammers have recorded those “yes” responses to make unauthorized purchases and use your recorded “yes” to verify it. So if you get a call and hear anything similar to that, just HANG UP THE PHONE because you could be charged money like a (900) phone call.

According to the FTC, some of the area codes that have possibly been linked to the one ring scam include: 612, 844, 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.

Inc.com has an extended list of area codes, including many in the Caribbean HERE.

So again, if you don't recognize the number that's calling or texting you - just ignore it. If it's someone you know, they'll call back or leave a message if it's important. Don't let your curiosity get the best of you because it could cost you a ton of money.