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The growing sad reality of SPAM/SCAM phone calls

Yesterday we talked about scam and spam emails. Today a little bit more of the reality we all face today, SPAM or SCAM phone calls. The evolution of the telephone has added features that change things. The reality for those who grew up during the 60s and 70s is back then we rushed to the phone when it rang. We never knew who was calling, but we ran to answer it anyway.

OF course, back then the reality of demon dialers did not exist. A demon dialer is something all of us, regardless of where you live have experienced. Demon dialers do two things. The first thing is they spoof, or fake a legitimate number, and secondly, they connect the call without a human. You’ve heard the click when you answer the call, a pause and then a second click before a human speaks. The rise of that demon dialer software is part of why there are so many spams or scam calls today. Let’s talk about my all-time favorite scam/spam calls!

1. The central windows support team, windows support team or partner support team. Your computer has errors. There are more than 1 billion Windows computers in the world. There is NO CENTRAL computer collecting error codes. Even if there where they don’t have any machine-specific information. Type event in your start menu. It will open the event viewer. Notice what would be sent from your computer, nothing about you as a user or your specific computer.

2. Car warranty calls – I love these they start with your car’s warranty has expired. They get people to panic, gather information and if they can they sell you a useless car warranty.

3. In the US, the IRS calls and leaving a threatening voicemail. First, the IRS does not use telephones to leave voicemails. They also do not threaten people. If you owe taxes they send you a registered letter. They never call you, unless they are turning your call, and at that point, they do not leave Home threatening emails!

4. Home security company calling “the neighbors: They start with “your neighbor was robbed, or a house in your neighborhood was robbed.” So far they have called our house eight times. There have been two break-ins in our neighborhood in the time they have called.  The last time I asked what neighbor was robbed. They said: sir we can’t answer that question.”

There are many other scams out there. Home repairs are another huge one. If you have gotten one I haven’t listed, please share it in the comments. The path to safety both personal and home is to be careful.  My grandfather’s rule applies “if it seems to good to be true, it is too good to be true.” There are many software solutions by the way that help with SPAM calls. NOMOREROBO, MALWAREBYTES and your cellular company’s software all work to reduce SPAM and SCAM calls. Just like here on Virily the most important thing, if something is offensive report it!

  • Question of

    WIll you share any other scams you’ve come across in the comments?

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    Spam calls are annoying right?

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    Did you know in many cases SCAM calls are illegal?

    • Yes
    • No

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What do you think?

21 Points

Written by DocAndersen

One fan, One team and a long time dream Go Cubs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

44 Comments

  1. Yes, I have had a person ring and call himself a technician from “Spark” and I knew he wasn’t and just hung up on him…Several calls like that, I think they caught the man

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  2. Oh, scam calls are annoying. I don’t answer these calls now, but I’ve had calls where they’ve told me I’ve been in a car accident. I even had a call once where they said that I owe taxes, and If I don’t press ‘1’ I shall be arrested. Really! But that can be scary for people!

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  3. Q: WIll you share any other scams you’ve come across in the comments?
    Yes (3 votes) – 43%
    No (4 votes) – 57%
    Q: Spam calls are annoying right?
    Yes (7 votes) – 100%
    Q: Did you know in many cases SCAM calls are illegal?
    Yes (5 votes) – 83%
    No (1 votes) – 17%

  4. I do answer unknown numbers because it might be somebody who wants to inform/alert me about an important information. However, I’m careful not to fall in their prey.
    I have received dozens of calls of people purporting as officials of a local telecommunication company. They always tell me I have won a promotion or competition I never won. I take the bait with the intention of playing along like an innocent person.

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  5. Interesting information. Some information is new to me. I have all the numbers stored in the phone book. That’s why I ignore all unknown calls.

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  6. I am the same I have very few people I call and very few who call me, When my phone rings and I see a number with no name therefore not saved on my phone I just don’t answer it

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  7. I have no problems with that, dear friend … I do not answer unknown calls …. all those who need me have been stored in my phonebook … I also do not have numbers published …. and I never answer even a hidden number

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