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Some crafty scammers are playing the numbers game in hopes of cashing in on Toyota’s massive recall. Here’s the problem. Look at the following two phone numbers. One is real and the other is real bad.

Toyota Number: 1-800-331-4331
Scam Number: 1-800-331-4431

The first number is the official number for the Toyota recall. It will be Toyota on the other end of the line. Now, look at the scam number and notice how similar it is to Toyota’s number. Apparently, it’s human nature than when you try to dial the real number, you may unintentionally dial an additional four. The scammers bought that number and are on the other end of that line.
“You get a quick message that says really, really fast that you’re going to be charges $5.96 on your phone bill if you call this other number,” said Tim Burns with the Better Business Bureau. “Then it goes into a message saying that because of the volume of calls, they would like you to call this other number for more information. When you call that number, your phone bill gets billed, plus then they ask you for information like your Social Security number to say they’re processing your request. What happens is you lose $5.96 plus you’re probably going to be a victim of identity theft if you fall for this scam.”
The worst part about this is that the scam number has made its way onto wire service reports and into many newspapers, including some here in metro Detroit.

Be careful when dialing Toyota. The real Toyota number is 1-800-331-4331.
MURRAY FELDMAN
WJBK | myFOX Detroit

Hopefully the authorities would have disconnected this number by the time you read this…

S.J.