Small business owners look out for this new scam

About 2 hours ago I received an internet yellow page listing call just verifying business information, a "free" listing.  "Free" because "not contracted" until the 4th recorded confirmation question. The rep said on the 5th question just say "not contracted".  I said no to the 4th question which accepted that as the only answer: "yes". The recording thanked me, and advised $49 monthly would be deducted from my telephone bill."  Along the way and even after the "thanks, we're taking $49 off your phone bill monthly", the rep continued to assure the listing was "free", right. 

A cancellation phone number was advised in the recording.  The phone number turned-out to be Direct TV, with an extension that referred to another Direct TV cancellation number. There the rep said "not us".  I then called AT&T and they will block additional charges, but that will take 30 days; meantime, a note has been placed in their system.

Hopefully you and others will avoid this scam. Over a few years I've managed to dodge the more legitimate versions of these internet listings calls.  No information was requested other than what is easily available through the internet currently.  Follow-up has now taken up more than 2 hours of time, and I expect to dealing with the $49 bogus billing next month prior to AT&T blockage of ALL outside vendor billings.   Do your business friends a favor and get the word out there about this new "free" internet listing scam.

Kathy Meeh