Foreign-based scam uses local telephone number

The Better Business Bureau as well is investigating the reports, and the calls reportedly are coming from area codes 876 and 809, which originate in Jamaica.

According to the BBB, afterwards the cards have been purchased, the victim is instructed to call a number that appears to be a local telephone number, nevertheless it is not.

Press release

In a press release, South Plains BBB President Greg Linder said the Plainview phone number was sold as part of a block of phone numbers that were, in turn, issued by "Magic Jack," an Internet phone service that uses voice over Internet protocol to connect callers through a computer.

"These types of scams are fairly common, however technology has allowed the scammers to fool people into thinking they are dealing with someone close by," Linder said.