SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Senator Charles Schumer is warning businesses about a phone hacking ring linked to Syracuse. The senator stood with Onondaga County leaders, calling on the telecom industry and the FCC to do more to protect local businesses.

Schumer says hackers discovered a loophole in voicemail systems, allowing them to make long distance calls that cost the business thousands of dollars.

"To put it simply, voicemails at our local businesses can serve as a welcome mat for hackers if you're not careful. And shockingly, under current rules and regulations, guess who pays? The small business, who's been hacked," said Sen. Schumer.

Schumer says there are reports the hackers also have ties to an Al Qaeda cell in Somalia and the Philippines. The senator claims scammers have also hit New York's Capital Region.