Putting down "prank call" even though this is definitely a scammer. I picked up and was greeted to a very nice-sounding young woman telling me that I qualified for some trip; instantly hung up at that point.
Many thanks to the reporting community for contributing warnings and useful, helpful information. We are our own defense.
Called on cellphone. Robo call b
roke in while on another call. Hung up as soon as I heard "Can you hear me ok? Bob from service dept"...sorry, no service for Bob.
This message is long, but PLEASE read:
SCAMMING AND PHISHING CAN ONLY SUCCEED IF THERE IS A MARKET; AND THE MARKET NEEDS TO BE EDUCATED AND REMOVED! The crooks and scamsters are bottom feeders that have no limits, conscience, respect or mothers. Only you are in control.
ON CELL OR LAND-LINE PHONE: If you don't recognize the name/number, DO NOT ANSWER... even if it appears to be a local call .. numbers are being spoofed. If you happen to answer, DO NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY; NOT BY VOICE, SELECTED NUMBER OR CALL BACK! A legitimate caller will be identified, will leave a name, message, and call back number, giving you the option to respond. It will respect the DNC. You can file a complaint about offenders on the DO NOT CALL REGISTRY. Your registered number NEVER expires. Be sure to register your fax and cell phone too.
ON COMPUTER, SMART PHONE: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR WIFI CONNECTION, THAT IT IS SECURE. If contact is in the form of a pop-up, text or email, DO NOT SELECT ANY LINK. Assume any response to be a hidden link or number... (to hell). After all, they are scammers and you dont truly know what you answered or consented to do, give or buy, (for which your number may be billed). If in the form of an email, open full address, take a screen shot then delete the email.
A legitimate company notification will identify you by name, will not ask for verification and never send you a link. No matter how real, authentic looking, promising or threatening it appears, DO NOT RESPOND. BE IMMEDIATELY SUSPICIOUS IF ASKED FOR ACCOUNT OR ANY VERIFICATION! BE SMART! DO NOT USE A CALL BACK NUMBER THEY OFFER...get your own... call your private contact number to this company and check. Follow their instructions. They will probably request a copy of the suspect communication in some form... varies. They need to know when they are being spoofed and reporting may protect you. If you suspect that your information may have been hacked, you can apply a "fraud alert" by notifying the 3 credit bureaus....it's free.
Texting is a way to get around those of us who do not answer. Do not respond. Copy the text for reporting.Take a screen shot of the entire text, including the phone number or short code. Save it, then delete the text. REPORT.
HAVE, KEEP UP TO DATE, AND USE, AN ANTI-VIRUS APP ON BOTH COMPUTERS AND CELL PHONES.
And don't waste your time with cute answers...there's no use or satisfaction and they don't care. They just move on to irritate or hook the next sucker. The longer you keep them on the line, the longer your access is open. Don't forget...they called you..they have your number and can get your address. We know they are crooks, but they might be crazy crooks having a bad day. If using the 855 exchange, you may be getting charged for the time and your fun.
Regarding the DNC, you do not have to answer. Just dialing your number is an offense. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission for any and all unwanted and/or unsolicited calls (cell or land-line), texts, scams, phishing, ID theft, and others at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#crnt
SHRED! Be mindful of what information you might be giving away... (look at your receipts). Many financial institutions, communities, and senior centers offer this service free.
I realize the limitation on companies and government to track, eliminate or prosecute the rampant proliferation of offenders... and the diabolical cleverness and resources of crooks who choose not to work for a living. HOWEVER, the government and their legislators, all providers of internet access, TV and their news casts, and any others that have immediate access and the attention of the consumers, have let the public down and need to take RESPONSIBILITY for EDUCATION. THERE IS NONE! There are only successful crooks if there is a market, and that market could be removed, or at least, greatly reduced. Warnings could be sent as easily as that notice about upgrades. Education should be provided openly, frequently and emphaticly on how to recognize and deal with scamming, phishing, and the potential for identity theft, whether it be in email, phone, pop-up, or text. Right now, it depends on the reporting community sites alone, and their existence is not well known.
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND SHARE....thank you for support and reading.
When the recorded robo message from "Rob" asks can you hear me okay? your response is being recorded. If you answer yes then the scammers can charge you anything and stand by it because they've recorded you answering YES.