IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a BERKSHIRE COUNTY/PITTSFIELD, MA LOCAL NUMBER, ***NOT*** the locations listed above which are in other counties East of the Berkshires and do no use the 443 exchange.
Got a call from this number today; the fourth (4th!) unknown caller of the day. Name on the call was "MANTZARIS, NICOL" [sic]. I do not know anyone by this name, so let it go to ans. machine; no msg after four rings. Since this is a call within my own local area, I decided to call it back with my outgoing number-blocked phone. My first thought was that this is a political call. At first try I just got a fast busy signal. BUT, the second time it went directly (no ring) to a RECORDING that said "The number you called may not be in service OR it might be assigned to another caller" (WHAT???) Please stay on the line while we ask one of our agents to see what offers might be available to you." At this point I hung up.
At best this is ILLEGAL COLD-CALL TELEMARKETING. It is obviously using a SPOOFED number (which is ALSO HIGHLY ILLEGAL for anyone other than Doctor's Offices for HIPPA purposes) and is probably using some innocent person's name who had that number in the past. HOW can a number be both "Not in Service" AND "assigned to another party"???
At worst, this is some kinda of PHISHING SCAM. I'm very concerned for our local elderly or sickly seniors who might be easily confused into giving out sensitive information, especially if they think they are talking to a local resident. I called my local police department and reported this for that reason.
Anyone else get this call? If so, are you 'local' to Berkshire County, MA or are you farther away? Jus' Wondering.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a BERKSHIRE COUNTY/PITTSFIELD, MA LOCAL NUMBER, ***NOT*** the locations listed above which are in other counties East of the Berkshires and do no use the 443 exchange.
Got a call from this number today; the fourth (4th!) unknown caller of the day. Name on the call was "MANTZARIS, NICOL" [sic]. I do not know anyone by this name, so let it go to ans. machine; no msg after four rings. Since this is a call within my own local area, I decided to call it back with my outgoing number-blocked phone. My first thought was that this is a political call. At first try I just got a fast busy signal. BUT, the second time it went directly (no ring) to a RECORDING that said "The number you called may not be in service OR it might be assigned to another caller" (WHAT???) Please stay on the line while we ask one of our agents to see what offers might be available to you." At this point I hung up.
At best this is ILLEGAL COLD-CALL TELEMARKETING. It is obviously using a SPOOFED number (which is ALSO HIGHLY ILLEGAL for anyone other than Doctor's Offices for HIPPA purposes) and is probably using some innocent person's name who had that number in the past. HOW can a number be both "Not in Service" AND "assigned to another party"???
At worst, this is some kinda of PHISHING SCAM. I'm very concerned for our local elderly or sickly seniors who might be easily confused into giving out sensitive information, especially if they think they are talking to a local resident. I called my local police department and reported this for that reason.
Anyone else get this call? If so, are you 'local' to Berkshire County, MA or are you farther away? Jus' Wondering.