Caller ID said "DORCHESTER, MA" and came in at 9:20AM, while I was on another GENUINE call. Likely YET ANOTHER in the series of "Switch Your Electric Service Provider" to 'save money' PHISHING SCAM. Callers, with INDIAN/MIDDLE EASTERN ACCENTS aggressively press you to give them your Electric Bill Acct #, which can then be used to (1) "SLAM" your electric account to a third party who can charge ANY rate they want (NOT regulated by Utility Commission) AND (2) access your CREDIT RECORDS and OPEN OTHER CREDIT ACCTS in your name. Your Electric Acct number is somewhat similar to providing your SS# or Name/Address/DOB to an unknown entity; it is ACCESS to your FINANCIAL information and accounts. This is ANOTHER FORM OF IDENTITY THEFT. Trying to extract yourself from these CRIMINALS can be costly and time consuming.
The OTHER similar scam is "Buy Solar Panels over the phone (!)" CREDIT CARD PHISHING SCAM. CAN NOT be done like that, people! Getting solar is a wonderful, but complicated process which includes a site study, engineering study and a detailed proposal, much like getting a new roof or addition to your home would be. You don't order solar like you order pizza!
Other numbers they use are: (#x = no. of calls we've gotten from them, so far)
978-400-2559 "FITCHBURG, MA"(2x);
978-965-8961 "LAWRENCE, MA" (2x);
978-769-1293 "GEORGETOWN, MA"(8x);**
978-496-9936 "WESTFORD, MA";
617-446-4670 "DORCHESTER, MA";
413-382-7521 "SPRINGFIELD, MA" (4x);
413-271-7390 "SPRINGFIELD, MA"(2x);
458-201-1435 "EUGENE, OR";
916-312-2734 "SLOUGHHOUSE, CA";
669-237-3575 NO NAME;
669-237-3665 "CAMPBELL, CA"(3X);
440-721-4682 "PAINESVILLE, OH"(2x);
573-200-7004 "DELETED"(2X);
786-708-4154 "MIAMI, FL";
786-275-5313 "MIAMI, FL";
718-236-5500 "PENZA AFFILIATES";
651-309-8291 "RED WING, MN";
718-285-3984 "NEW YORK, NY";
555-555-5555 "OUT-OF-AREA"(4X);
206-312-5431 "BAINBRIDGE I, WA";
801-256-9874 "MIDVALLE, UT";
425-336-8436 "RENTON, WA";
605-550-0446 "MITCHELL, SD";
909-620-6597 "CALIFORNIA"
Probably also related to LONG TIME TELESCAM # 210-280-8487: Interest Rate Scam; Free Cruise Scam, Computer 'Fix' Scam; etc.
All MA #s seem to be the "Switch Electric Providers" *ELECTRIC BILL ACCT #* PHISHING SCAMS; the Out of State #s: "Solar Panel" *CREDIT CARD* PHISHING SCAMS.
ALL these calls are likely from OVERSEAS INDIAN or PAKISTANI CALL CTRS: heavy INDIAN-ASIAN/MIDDLE EASTERN accents.
IGNORE if you can, BLOCK if you can, REPORT to FCC and FTC www.donotcall.gov/complaints
It's STILL likely a SCAM. We have NO "Commerical" debt; no uncollected/unpaid debt of any kind; excellent credit and all bills up to date/paid. We've had the number they call us on for over 35 years, and have our name and address published; they could 'find' us via US Mail, if there really WAS any debt out there to collect. In fact, THE LAW mandates that they MUST send collections notices IN WRITING, BEFORE they attempt to contact a debtor by phone. We've gotten NO such notices and would not expect to; again, we HAVE NO unpaid, outstanding debt.
These INDIAN CALL CENTERS have a SLEW of SCAM SCRIPTS that they use, citing all kinds of 'reasons' (RUSES) for calling; calling REPEATEDLY using numerous SPOOFED numbers with varied area codes and number combinations. They are ALL trying to do ONE Thing: STEAL our MONEY or STEAL our IDENTITY so that they can then, ultimately, STEAL OUR MONEY.
Caller ID said Dorchester MA. I screen all my calls & did not pick up since I don't know anyone in that area. No message was left on machine. These calls are ANNOYING!