This number (312) 489-8312 just called me. The man on the other end had an Indian accent. He asked me if I needed a loan. I replied "no." He then told me to "Get out. Get lost." So, I hung up.
WHILE I WAS AT LUNCH THIS NUMBER CALLED ME TWICE. I DIDN'T ANSWER. IF IT IS IMPORTANT I HAVE FOUND THAT THEY WILL LEAVE A MESSAGE. I ALSO AM GETTING OFFERS OF PAYDAY LOANS. I DONT WANT ONE AND I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY KEEP CALLING ME.
He probably is home. The Indian scammers have been at this for years. They spoof US numbers. Which means they are using hardware, software or apps. that can make there calls appear to be coming from anywhere. It's actually very easily done.
I've noticed that the Indian frauds get particularly feisty at a couple of times every year. At tax time & during the holidays. When some Americans are due to receive tax refund checks, they get busy. They try their best to separate naïve people from that money. During the holidays they know that their targets will have X-mas money. The Indian scammers are paid less in a week than the average American is paid in two hours. Indian (and Pakistani) frauds are also aware that most Americans receive X-mas bonuses that equate to more than they "earn" in a year. Those facts drive the scammers in to a frenzy.
There are two things that people need to be immune to scammers. First, they need to know their rights under the FDCPA. Easily done. Visit the FTC.gov website. Second, they need a call blocker on their home phone & a call blocking app. on their cell phone. I know, not everyone has a smart phone. If you don't have a smart phone, do everything in your power to get one. They are no longer prohibitively expensive. Pre-paid customers are now able to buy one for well under $100.
Sadly, there is a third thing to keep in mind. I have great respect for Indians. I know many. But, the fact is that if your caller has a Hindi accent there is a 99.9% chance that your caller is a fraud.
Be Safe. Be Aware.
Trevlig Helg!
Gunnar