Strange Numbers on Caller ID?

boohiss asks: "I've been getting a lot of calls on my cell phone from '+001819'. I haven't answered them, of course. But what is this number? I've found some various explanations here and there, but nothing conclusive. There's also the story on Snopes about the famed 809 long distance scam, which may or may not be what this is. Could it be some form of cell phone spam that isn't compatible with my phone? Does anyone else get these calls, and has anyone figured out what they are?" If anyone is unfortunate enough to fall for one of these, what options do they have in terms of damage control?

Comments

Could also be long distance calling card or VoIP

[aoteoroa]

Anecdotal evidence:
A friend sometimes calls my cell from Korea using a long distance calling card and the number displayed on my Caller Id is very similar to the one you posted.

Just a guessing:
Strange caller id numbers also originate from a poorly configured (or intentionally screwed up) Voice Over IP phone.

Probable Scam.

[FreeLinux]

Did you see this one?

Breaking down the number,
+ = Standard phone number convention outside the US
00 = International Dialing
1 = North America / Caribbean
819 = Quebec City, Quebec

Unless you know someone in Quebec, I'd recommend you not answer it. Even if they can't rip you off, why let them waste your time and your air time?

Finally, you do realize that even this number may be a complete fake. Thanks to VoIP you can now setup your own inexpensive PBX and manipulate the caller id numbers as you see fit. There are even companies popping up, like this one, that offer faked caller id as a service.

Flames!

[boohiss]

Anyone who posted an answer, thanks. I've never seen a number like that on my cell before, and I was just curious.

As far as answering goes, why should I waste minutes or risk a scam? Why even post a reply like that? A wise man once told me the only stupid question is the one not asked. And apparently the slashdot mods though it worthy of a green light, so plllbbttt

Re:Why don't you just answer?

[HeghmoH]

Precisely. This sounds like typical "I live in the basement and hate people" ranting. If you pick up the phone, you're not going to get magically charged thousands of dollars. If you're so gullible that you can't withstand a scammer's pitch for the ten seconds it takes to discover who they are, you probably shouldn't have a phone at all.