Message left: something along the lines of: "Hello, this is Mrs. Peterson -- I've been trying to reach you about supply charges on your RGE electric bill ...". "Mrs. Peterson" then provided what appears to be a phone # local to our area, greater Rochester NY: 585 285-4403, before giving a Reference #, comprised of 1 alpha character, followed by 4 numerics.
With *our* Caller ID blocked, I called (585) 285-4403. There was some recorded message such as: "Your call is very important to us -- please stay on the line, & your call will be taken by the next available operator".
At some point during the wait, there was some light classical music playing at very low volume, but then there was a quick caveat: "This call may be recorded", *immediately* followed by someone coming on the line. She sounded as though she might be 20-something, & spoke in a clear & pleasant voice as she said something like: "Hello, my name is Tanis [or Tania, or some-such], do you have a Reference #?" I deepened my voice & said "NO". There was an ever-so-brief pause before she then said something such as, "With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"
I believe I responded with something very like: "I'm not going to tell you, but I *am* going to tell RG&E about these calls, & I may *also* report them to the NY State Attorney General". I terminated the call, & called RG&E (Rochester Gas & Electric) Customer Service, & (after identifying our account) I recounted the calls. The RG&E Rep. said that recently a lot of their customers had received calls from "Mrs. Peterson".
If you get a similar call, & *if* you return the call: (1) do so with your Caller ID blocked, & (2) make sure that you *don't* reflexively say "Yes", when asked if you have a Reference #.
Suggestion: Whether you return the call or not, contact your electric or power utility & tell them that you would like a "Retail Access Block" on your account, so that you can't unknowingly be switched over to an "electricity retailer".
An "electricity retailer" might possibly quote you *apparently* cheaper rates, but they will be transmitting & distributing that so-called cheaper electricity using the existing infra-structure that your community's electric or power utility developed, maintains, & supports, & so you will pay the transmission & distribution costs incurred when using that infra-structure, + auxiliary maintenance & support costs (including even the statement preparation), that the electric/power utility has historically incurred, & still incurs, in delivering electricity.
HOW IS IT THESE UNAVAILABLE CALLERS CAN CONTINUE TO CALL PEOPLE ON THE DO NOT CALL REGISTRY AND I HAVE AN UNLISTED NUMBER??? THIS NUMBER IS 917-398-9352, AND THE ONLY INFORMATION I CAN PULL UP IS IT'S A PEERLESS NETWORK OF NY LLC-NY. WHEN DO THESE CALLERS GET PUNISHED FOR THEIR ACTIONS???? THEY NEVER LEAVE A MESSAGE! RIDICULOUS!
>> HOW IS IT THESE UNAVAILABLE CALLERS CAN CONTINUE TO CALL PEOPLE ON THE DO NOT CALL REGISTRY <<
This post has two parts. The =second= is for people who are interested in the realities of the Do Not Call list. The =first= is for people who have difficulty understanding long explanations, but think the DNC list does not work.
1)
The DNC list is not a magic switch attached to your phone.
The DNC list is intended to help stop calls from LEGITIMATE telemarketers.
* The call was not from a legitimate telemarketer
* Therefore, the DNC list will not stop those calls.
2)
The DNC list does not automatically block calls. Instead, it provides a list of "do not call" phone numbers to legitimate, registered telemarketers who pay a fee for the list.
The DNC list exempts political callers, survey organizations, charities and companies with preexisting business relationships, but these organizations might have their own, internal Do Not Call list (ask them).
The DNC list is not effective against criminals, spammers and scammers, because those people do not subscribe to the DNC list, and do not care if you are on or off that list.
Its purpose is to stop calls from legitimate telemarketers, and it does a pretty good job at that. Just think ... if there were no DNC, you would be receiving incessant calls from BOTH legitimate and scam telemarketing callers!
Here is your reading assignment:
https://www.donotcall.gov/
http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resource ... try/enforcement
http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases ... lemarketers-pay
Remember, the Do Not Call site is a good one to report unwanted calls from LEGITIMATE telemarketers. The DNC list does not cover calls from criminal scammers & spammers. To report those, visit https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
If you receive calls even after reporting them (and waiting a sufficient time), then you should consider using a call blocker app, device or service as your first line of defense. Google "call blocker" to see such things at Amazon or other sites.
http://gg.gg/blockers
Oh ... your CAPS LOCK button is broken, and you are shouting at us!
Googling that name I came up with this from RipoffReport: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Global-Crossings-Telemanagement/nationwide/Global-Crossings-Telemanagement-SLAMMING-company-Nationwide-400847
Received a call this evening from a man who first said he was with National Grid. Claimed National Grid was giving everyone a rate reduction. He wanted me to give him my account number "grab your bill real quick and give me your account number". I said "if you are with National Grid, you know my account number, and I will not give you any information. I also told him that there are way too many scams out there.