I got a really interesting call yesterday. It was a spoofed number. Spoofing is basically what a demon dialer does. A demon dialer is a software package that dials numbers constantly. Back in the day, you would if you weren’t a good person, use that to find modems. But now, it is used by sales and scams to find actual numbers. The way it works is it replaces the actual number they are calling from with a number from the area code and prefix as your phone. In my case, it means the call comes up 240 or 301, the two areas codes I use. 99 times out of 100 I don’t answer calls that I don’t know the person. But in this case, my cell phone rang, and the number was close to my wife’s number.
Well, it was close but off by one number.
In a cursory look, I thought it was my wife, so I answered the phone. “Hello?” I said.
There was a silence and then a click. I knew a demon dialer was occupying the line. “is this Mr. XXXX, XXXXX?” the voice asked.
“yes, it is,” I answered.
“We are calling you about activity on your bank account, sir.” The voice said.
Hum. The funny thing is they didn’t say what bank just that they were calling about the activity.
“I am sorry, what bank are you from?” I asked.
There was a pause, “ I represent XXXX XXXXX bank, sir.”
Interesting. I don’t have an account in that bank. Also, when the bank calls, they never say represent. Represent is a word that means something different!
I hung up, and I also added the number to my blocked numbers list. The thing they are looking for is me giving them my account number and any passcode. Here is an interesting situation. If you have a passcode on your bank account, they, for the most part, will ask you for it. But the account number, they will never ask for that. They will ask for other ways they can identify you.
The sad reality of scams is that they are out there.
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Question of
Remember government offices do not call, worst case they knock on the door. ok?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Always keep your ears open, scammers give away their intent quickly! ok
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you ever see how long you can keep the scammer on the phone?
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Yes
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No
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Oh how I hate scammers, especially the phone ones. I still can’t believe how such (usually) uneducated people are able to scam people so easily.
it makes me sad. i’ve been bringing as many of these to everyone’s attention for more than 10 years now.
Sadly, I know many informed people who still fall for scams.
yes that is truly sad. I figure if I can keep them on the phone I may help one person. If I can inform, i may help two!
I usually just quickly hang up the call when I receive one like this, or just don’t pick up at all if it’s from an unknown phone number. I don’t even like to talk to sales people nowadays as I don’t need those services, and I don’t really have time or willingness to listen to them now. 😛
i do not blame you and that is the best way to solve the problem!!!
Q: REMEMBER GOVERNMENT OFFICES DO NOT CALL, WORST CASE THEY KNOCK ON THE DOOR. OK?
Yes (6 votes) – 100%
Q: ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EARS OPEN, SCAMMERS GIVE AWAY THEIR INTENT QUICKLY! OK
Yes (6 votes) – 100%
Q: DO YOU EVER SEE HOW LONG YOU CAN KEEP THE SCAMMER ON THE PHONE?
No (4 votes) – 100%
Thanks to everyone that voted! Let’s be safe on the internet!!!
those type of phone calls are very annoying, and I just hang up
that is always best when they call you, thanks Pam!
I never answer calls from a number that is not in my directory. Last Christmas I got a call from a phone from Canada. I did not answer and later I received a text, it was my nephew calling.
smart of him to know the protocol (call from an unknown number, text if no one answers)!!!!
I have always been calling unknown or hidden numbers …. who needs me I have stored his number
this one was one number off my wife’s and I didn’t pay attention. Oh well!
But then she played with you a little, dear friend?
yeah I won’t make that mistake again, Sometimes it is best not to be in a hurry
Speed is never good anywhere …. unfortunately we live in a time when we are always in a hurry
it makes me wonder sometimes, why are we in such a hurry!
Thanks for the alerts. I’m not answering unknown numbers. If I receive a call from an unknown number, I immediately block it.
that is a really good thing to do!!!!
I started getting some calls from abroad; if numbers are unknown, I do not answer them.
i am truly amazed by people doing that. There is still a cost to make calls to other countries.
My Dad used to answer every call and had fun keeping them on the phone. I let all calls go to voicemail.
i try to keep them on awhile it can be fun!
I have read JJ’s posts and he is very good with them as well.
i did also, made me think of writing this one up!
I constantly get these calls but my phone warns me it is a spammer, I quickly block that number.
it is hilarious sometimes! My phone said possible spam, but I thought it was my wife’s number!