Are You Getting Several Calls, at Odd Hours From 222 Area Code

Are you getting several strange calls, at odd hours of the day and night from +222 are code that come from Mauritania? You're not alone and they are most likely a scam.

Nick Weber of Rome received 4 and wondered on Facebook if others were seeing the same thing. The comments rolled in with several central New Yorkers getting several in the last few days.

It's not the same number calling every time either. It's the same 222 country code, which is coming from Africa. The last 2 numbers may be different like they were the 3 times Amanda Gregory received calls in the middle of the night.

This scam has been around for years and is called the “one-ring wireless phone scam” or “wangiri,” a Japanese word meaning “one ring and drop.” After the phone rings once the call hangs up, without leaving a voice mail message. The scam comes in when you try and return the call that redirects you through an International Premium Rate service, which can cost a fortune for every minute the call is connected, according to the FCC.

If you see an unusual number, especially one from overseas, DON'T return the call. If an unfamiliar number calls and it's important enough, the caller will leave a voice mail.

The FCC has tips to avoid the scam:

*Check any unfamiliar area codes before returning calls.
*Be aware many 3-digit area codesconnect callers to international telephone numbers.
*If you do not make international calls, ask your local or wireless phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.