on dec 4 2015 i got the same call as reported below, saying the irs was filing lawsuit and would i like to pay to clear the matter. heavy accents. i finally just hung up.
Quote:I just want to know how they have my name and number.
If you ever posted your phone number on a social site, or used it when ordering online, or typed it in an insecure computer, or gave it to a friend whose computer was attacked, or filled out an entry form at a fair or a supermarket, or used it on a contest entry form, or put it on a postcard for a magazine or purchase, or were among those whose information was hacked from some organization, or obtained a "new" phone number ... your number is probably known to the scammers.
Allow me to present another possibility in a very simple fashion ... not to insult your intelligence, but to attempt to get the idea across to even those who have difficulty understanding more complicated answers. Click the "More Info" button, below (Javascript required).
[spoiler=More Info]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Robodialers for Dummies ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Can you count?
If you answered "yes", that is a good start. Try counting from 1 to 10 now. I will wait.
..........
Finished? Good.
I want you to think "0" instead of "10". Got it?
Now, get a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, and write down those ten numbers. Here, I will help you, in case your forgot:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Now get ready to write down some more numbers. I want you to write them down in the following format:
ABC-DEF-GHIJ
Yes, I know those are letters, but I want you to use numbers, instead.
Think of a number between 0 and 9 ... pick one from the list I gave above, if you wish.
Write it down, instead of the "A", above
Do that nine more times, writing it down instead of the other letters.
Now, look at the result.
Does it ring a bell?
It should, because you just wrote down a phone number!
Mr Computer is very good at making numbers.
Mr Computer can do what you just did in a fraction of a second.
In other words, Mr Computer can make and dial phone numbers VERY quickly.
Spammers and scammers who know about Mr Computer do not need to register and buy the DNC list.
Spammers and scammers who know about Mr Computer can even dial "unlisted" numbers, or "private numbers" or "brand-new numbers you just got"!
The DNC list is not a magic switch that blocks these calls from reaching your phone. It is merely a list. It is NOT a call blocker!
[/spoiler]
There, now you know all about how spammers can dial YOUR phone number, even if it is unlisted, and even if only relatives know it, and even if it is on or off the DNC list.
There is also another, very sneaky way.
Does your phone have Caller ID + Caller Name display (CNAM)? If so, you have noted that it usually displays BOTH the phone number and the name of the person calling you. Some scammers take advantage of that, by getting a phone with a CNAM display, and then using a computer program to repeatedly call it. The computer program spoofs the calling number, and changes the calling number for each call. One of the spoofed numbers could be yours!
The result is, the receiving phone "sees" both the calling number and the name of the person who is registered with that number! The scammer harvests the name & number data, and sells it to other scammers.
Again same as all the other complaints. I think there is only 3 people that are at this scam. They all have very heavy India accents. Claiming to be an officer Johnson or some American last name. After cursing at them for 1/2 the day off and on. They finally blocked my numbers. LOL
Everyone!!! I have to share this. A friend of mine received a frantic call from her daughter that the IRS was looking for her. Apparently its some scam. She posted the number for people to torture them. For [***] and Giggles while I was in the tub and I decided to call. I gave them a fictitious name and phone number and sure enough, they found my file. An East Indian, that barely, barely speaks English tells me that I miscalculated my taxes and owe 75,000 blah blah and I will be arrested in 45 minutes. I play along for about 30 minutes while this guy threatens and berates me. I act distressed and he gets more bold. He then puts me on hold to talk to the Attorney General (lol) comes back and tells me if I take $4900 to a local Walmart to wire Ill be okay but I have to stay on the phone with him. I finally lost it and released a tidal wave of the worst curses and killing him in a myriad of ways, lol. The funny thing is he wouldn't hang up. They must get credit for how long they keep you on the line. Anyway, if you have the time or inclination call them.(360) 203-3905
Robin LaJeunesse
Investigative Business Solutions
480-254-9366
Sent from my iPhone