Originally Posted by
Needles
ptquilts, that was really quick thinking. We get the warranty calls, I always hit one and when the guy answers, I tell him I want the extended warranty on our 57 Cheverolet. That takes care of those calls for a year or so. I have answered calls, Sheriff's Dept, how can I direct your call, or sometimes, Fraud Division, how may I help you. One woman had my name and said I could get in trouble for misrepresenting myself. I told her, I didn't do the scam calling. She said this is not a scam, so I asked her who she was and what she wanted. She told me and I said, well, I am going to report you for calling a number that's been on the do not call list since it came OUT. She slammed down the receiver.
I also got the 'grandma' scam call twice. This one hit close to home since a friend fell for it, to the tune of $4,000. I took them to the end and when they told me their child died, I told them that was sad but maybe a good thing since they were going to prison for trying to scam elderly people. So you won't be around to even raise that child.Your momma must be so proud of you, I'm sure she raised you Much better than that. Both were met with silence at the end, then a bit before dial tone. I want to think I made them rethink what they were doing. Maybe not. I have no grands but my friend had many and just happened to give her a correct name. :-(
Doing the press 1 to be removed
Does Not Remove Your Number -- It Adds your number to the list and you will have more problems. Unfortunately I've fallen for this as well. It was an FTC agent that told me about this problem.
I know I did not say in my intro but I worked with the Glendale AZ Police Community Relations Department as a volunteer. I heard many things that was happening then and are still going on today. I had an Officer that would listen to All My Complaints and she would tell me what to do to handle these types of problems so I will give you her answers here and You can decide what ones are good for your situation.
Please understand I don't mean to sound harsh or Know it all but this type of thing really gets under my skin. I have a friend of a friend that falls for the "cash this check--You keep $1,000 and send us the other $2,000" and has done so many times. I told my friend this Judge is going to get tired of his excuses and he will be facing jail time. He doesn't have a real job as my friend put it. Problem is I have met this dumb-bell person and he is a really sweet person
Just Stupid about this scam or maybe just wanting the money without working for it. Either way he will be facing jail time if he keeps it up.
Step 1--Register Immediately on
The National Do Not Call Registry this gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls. You can register your home or mobile phone for free. After you register, other types of organizations may still call you, such as charities, political groups, debt collectors and surveys. To learn more, read FTC FAQs.
If you received an unwanted call after your number was on the National Registry for 31 days, report it to the FTC. At the number above.
This one is a direct quote off the FTC.gov web site.
Step 2: Block every scam number that comes through to your phone.
Step 3: (All Uppercase Here)
Never answer calls that say Unknown, Withheld, Private or any other such message as 99.99 percent are scammers.
Step 4: (Again All Caps)
Never answer calls that you Do Not Know. Let them leave a message. Proper businesses/family that have changed a phone number will leave you a message. Also tell individuals you know that you are not answering numbers you do not
recognize and tell them please leave a message and you will return their call as soon as you get their message so they don't worry something is wrong at your end.
Step 5:
Report any threats to the police Immediately and Fill Out a Police Report with Your Local Department At Your House so you can show the Officer/Deputy the phone number and the number of times the individual has called. Ask for an officer to come to your house to check your property if you are frightened in any way. They will send an Officer. That's what our Hero's do -- protect their patrol zones.
I have called for Officers to come to my home and have told the responding Officer that I was sorry to call them on maybe something that seems trivial to them. I have always had the same answer from the Officer that came..."I get paid whether I sit in my car bored to death or I am answering a call for you. I'd much rather answer calls so I feel like I am earning my check and know I am keeping you safe."
Step 6: Record the call by turning on the speaker and record on your phone Or Computer. This will help in the prosecution of the individual(s) when arrested.
Step 7:
Love All Your Tricks to get them off the phone but Please consider Not answering the calls. You can then block the numbers that leave no messages.
Scammers will not leave a message as they know their voice can be traced back to them and be used in a court of law to help convict them.
Information for the FTC from their website:
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Telephone: (202) 326-2222
website: FTC.gov