Typical robo-dial/scammer call pattern - land line rings, caller ID shows "Cranbury NJ" (nearby town), do not answer, no message left = SCAMMER = BLOCKED ! ! !
Called on land line-phone. I did not answer because no CID, but message left was to call back with my electric bill in hand...want me to sign on with their supplier...NO THANKS...did not return call. Received same type from Gas Co. Unsolicited call in violation on DNC.
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.
The legislators, service providers, carriers and all those with public access (TV), are sorely lacking in action for allowing this fraud to continue so rampantly and easily. They need to be made to take more responsibility for educating the public on recognizing, handling and removing the market.
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND SHARE.