What is a ping call?

Ping calls describe the “missed call scam”. A mobile phone rings once or twice then the caller hangs up. The missed call is intended to trigger a call back to a number that is subject to charge. The phone display shows a number – in the current cases – that at first glance is easy to confuse with a local area code.

How do you stop ping calls?

You can register your numbers on the national Do Not Call list at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register.

Why would I get a ping call?

If the phone has GPS or Internet connections, your location can be noted. If a bad guy wants to keep tabs on you, pinging your cell phone can alert him to your location at any moment. The ping is the signal and is also a request for information.

What happens when you ping a phone?

To “ping” in this context means to send a signal to a particular cell phone and have it respond with the requested data. When a new digital cell phone is pinged, it determines its latitude and longitude via GPS and sends these coordinates back via the SMS system (the same system used to send text messages).

Can someone ping your phone?

You can’t directly ping a cellphone number unless you have access to the carrier’s system, which means it’s limited to the carrier and – within limits – law enforcement. The civilian equivalent is installing a phone-tracker app that reports the phone’s location to whoever installs and administers the app.

Who can ping my phone?

What is a cell phone ping and is it legal?

So we thought we’d write about this topic to give you the facts. A cell phone ping is when a signal is sent to a cell phone and the cell phone responds by reporting its location. Both the Federal government and State governments have laws, rules, and regulation regarding the access, distribution, and use of cell phone location information.

What is the ‘one ring scam’?

The Better Business Bureau recently issued a fraud alert for the “one ring scam” after being contacted by people all across the country. Here’s how it works. The scammers use automatic dialers to randomly call phone numbers. After the first ring, they disconnect.

Why do people get scammed by Dial-and-disconnect?

People with mobile devices are the prime target for this dial-and-disconnect scam because every cellphone has caller ID and a missed call log. And since long-distance calls are typically free with wireless plans, most of us don’t think twice about placing a call to another area code that appears to be in the U.S.

What to do if you get scammed by a phone company?

If you’ve been a victim of the “one-ring” scam, try to resolve the charges with your cell phone carrier. If that doesn’t work, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. And as a general rule: Read your phone bill often — line by line.