Do you all get phone call and when you answer nobody is there. I get about 3 a day and find them very annoying.
Yes, they are just validating that yours is a "human" number. I think it will then be sold for robo calls as I understand it.
If it is an "unknown" number, incomplete data, out of state, or I don't know the local number (after hours), I generally don't answer and let it go to voice mail. That seems to help keep the robo calls down to a minimum.
Virginia
Those auto-dialers machines call you first, then if you answer, they route your call to a telemarketer who may be in another state, or even another country.
Sometimes, they can't get your connection routed in time, so they just drop the call. But don't worry, they'll call back.
I hate the one that says "Hello........this is Google.........to claim your Google listing, press 1".
They're going to try to get you to pay for a listing that already turns up on a Google search anyway.
They aren't affiliated with Google.
I never say anything to them (other than the words "NO! NO! NO!"), because they record your voice and turn it into a verbal contract. Then some sleazy lawyer starts harassing you.
The company I used to work for acquired software for "predictive dialers." Most of our clients at that time were businesses trying to reach you for one reason or the other (e.g., need more information on an insurance claim, confirm an order, etc.), not telemarketers.
The way it worked was this:
- it kept track of average time an agent was on a call, percent of calls actually answered, average number of rings -- all current data (might be different at 9 am than at 4 pm)
- the goal was to have an agent free to switch the call to, bring up your account record on their screen by the time you said, "O" in "Hello?"
- it could also tell if there was a busy signal or your call went to voice-mail or an answering machine
- if there was no agent available due to not everything meshing with predictive behaviors, it would dump the call and call again later. That's why you could get some calls and no one was there.
Not saying this is the only scenario, just the way ours worked. I often get calls that leave a message that's part way into their recorded message, "...removed from our call list, press 7." Of course by that time, I'm not on the line with them, their message is only on my answering machine. They obviously have inferior software.
I've also heard some call agents are not supposed to let you go until you've said NO three time. So "Take me off your call list; I'm not interested. I'm not interested. I'm not interested."
Yeah, the Do Not Call list is working swell...
It's my understanding that the "Do not call" list is for residential only. Commercial lines are "open season".
Many of those recorded calls offer an option (at the end of the message, when they know that you've probably already hung up) to be removed from their call list. I've selected that option a million times. It does absolutely no good.
I've even told actual live humans to remove me from their call list. They say they will. then they hang up and throw your number right back into the hopper.
If they removed everybody that wanted to be removed, they wouldn't have anyone to call.
Quotethe Do Not Call list is working swell...
Mine seams to be working great. My phone is connected via a Majic Jack to a Winnipeg number and I never get a robo call or telemarketer. I do get the odd robo-call from West Jet on the company cell phone though.
Quote from: Darren Henry on November 06, 2014, 04:48:32 am
Mine seams to be working great. My phone is connected via a Majic Jack to a Winnipeg number and I never get a robo call or telemarketer.
Are robo calls and/or telemarketers as prevalent in Canada as in the US?
I once worked with a woman who had two strategies when telemarketers called (before the days of caller id). Her first was to try and get the caller's home phone number. She would tell them she was really busy now and would love to chat with them later. Would they mind giving her their home phone number so that she could call them when it was convenient for her. LOLOL If I remember correctly, one was actually stupid enough to do that. My friend called the person at like 1 AM and started the call by saying "Now do you understand how it feels?" : ) Her second was to just talk with them about everything under the sun until they figured out what she was doing. As she explained to me, they had already interrupted her show, book, conversation with her husband, whatever so she might as well distract the caller and keep them from doing it to someone else. She said that a couple of times, she kept them talking for 30 minutes or more. Again, don't think that would work today as my understanding is that you are being timed to see how brief you can be while still getting a sale. A 30+ minute phone call with no sale is not going to keep you in their employment for too long.
My standard response used to be that I make it a point to NEVER EVER buy a product sold over the phone, even if it is something that sounds fabulous or if it something that I was actually shopping for, simply because you interrupted my evening. I'm sure that the caller didn't give a hair rat's behind that they interrupted my evening though.
Virginia
I once volleyed the same point back and forth with a telemarketer.
HER: This coverage takes care of things that your warranty doesn't cover.
ME: Oh yeah? Like what?
Her: Well, like belts and hoses.
Me: Oh well, you see I'm pretty handy with a wrench. So I take care of things like that myself.
Her (smugly): Well sir, this coverage takes care of things that you can't do.
Me: Oh yeah, Like what?
Her: Like major engine and transmission work.
Me: Oh well, you see it's a brand new truck with a 7 year warranty.
Her (even more smugly): Well sir, this takes care of things that the warranty doesn't cover.
Me: Oh yeah? Like what?
Her: Well, like belts and hoses.............
We repeated that same dialog back and forth for several rounds. I was determined to outlast her.
Eventually, she cussed at me and hung up.
Quote from: sofadoc on November 06, 2014, 06:59:26 am
Eventually, she cussed at me and hung up.
Years ago, when telemarketers first started being intrusive, one guy called while we were eating supper. Before caller id and Bob's dad was having health issues and we were waiting to hear the results of his dr visit so I stopped eating to answer the phone. As soon as the guy identified himself and what he was selling, I went off on him (no profanity) about calling at supper time and hung up on him. He called back no less than a dozen times that evening and several the next night, every time stringing together profanity like I'd never heard it strung together before. Being a veteran, that is saying a lot. The last time he called, I listened to his barrage and when he stopped for a breath, I asked him exactly how stupid was he to think that I would even consider buying his product after being cursed at in such a manner. Then I told him very sweetly that if he or any one else from his company ever called our number again, I was going to report him to the feds (forget who it was I told him I would call). He slammed down the phone and that company never called again.
We've had that happen more than once over the years, not to the extent of those bozos as far as the profanity, but when you tell them you are not interested and end the call, they call you again and again. Again, I don't understand that mind set that someone would buy a product just to get them to quit harassing you. Crazy but I know that it part of the sales tactics sometimes.
Virginia
Quote from: Virgs Sew n Sew on November 06, 2014, 06:13:07 am
My standard response used to be that I make it a point to NEVER EVER buy a product sold over the phone, even if it is something that sounds fabulous or if it something that I was actually shopping for, simply because you interrupted my evening. I'm sure that the caller didn't give a hair rat's behind that they interrupted my evening though.
Virginia
I'm with you about never buying a product over the phone or giving my address. Or making a donation.
I also love the ones who, after they find out there not getting anywhere just hang up. Click. Hello! Is anybody there.
Or the ones who call and ask to speak to the owner. Excuse me do you even know who your calling? I always tell them shes not here. When they ask for her name I tell them Gertrude.
Once in a while I'll mess with them, while there giving their robotic drone like spiel I'll repeatedly ask if they need any upholstery work done. When they finally realize what I'm saying there will be a pause followed by a click.
But mostly I just say, I'm not interested and hang up.
Buying products over the phone. Yup learned my lesson recently.
I had a gal call and they sell promotional products. She was real assertive (pushy). Her offer was for the little buoy thingies that float and have your business info printed on them. A little pricey but I thought they would be nice to give to my boat customers so I bought 100. They seem to be good quality and my boat customers absolutely love them as they can put papers in them and they won't get wet.
But, there always has to be a but. She started calling almost every other week. Memorial Day phone call made me feel like I was unpatriotic if I didn't buy this crap that was supposed to make people feel that buying stuff was their patriotic duty. I held firm and told her I had a small advertising budget and the buoys still had me over my budget.
No problem she said and 2-3 weeks later she called again. I wrote down her number and just started ignoring it. One day she called 3 times in one day. Finally I answered it and reiterated what I had told her earlier. No problem she said.
3 weeks later, here we go again. I started answering the phone and immediately hanging up without ever talking. She kept calling. Finally Bob got into the act. She called and asked if I was there. Bob very gruffly said "NO" and hung up. That kept her at bay for a while. Next time she called, Bob answered and in the same voice said "NEVER HEARD OF HER" and again hung up. So, she had a co-worker with a different phone number call. I answered not recognizing it. So, we had a long chat. I told her the other woman was incredibly pushy and that I wanted my account flagged as "No call" and that when I am about to run out of the buoys, if I decide I want more, I will call to order. I stressed that under NO circumstances are they ever to call me. She said no problem and we hung up.
Yesterday, they called. It's been months and I had forgotten her number. She asked if I remembered her. It really torqued me off and I very gruffly told her that I did remember her, I didn't like her sales tactics and that I had asked her co-worker to flag me as a no call and that I had told the other woman that I would call if and when I needed stuff. So she starts in her spiel about she has to call me because how else will I know when things are on sale. I started yelling "NO NO NO! I don't want you to call. I cannot think of any reason under the sun that would make me even consider buying from your organization ever again! Now take me off your calling list and do NOT EVER call this number again!" and hung up.
Just really torqued me off that she called and was so darn pushy about her products. Also took me a while to get my groove back and lose my grumpy attitude about having to yell at some one. I know how to yell but really would prefer not to. Wonder how long until they call again. I wrote her number down and Bob says he has a surprise for this woman when she calls. I'm almost afraid to think what he is going to say to her. ; )
Virginia
Virginia's post reminded me of another tactic I encountered. A man called and began the conversation with a cheery voice like we were ol' buddies, something like "It's your friendly pen guy again! Ready to place that order now?" He was good, he absolutely had me wondering if I had agreed to buy something, but I turned him down politely. The next time I was on to him. A different man called the next time, with the same exact greeting, but he lacked the same cheery confidence -- he sounded a little defeated and hollow.
A woman from my WCAA group actually bought some personalized pens from them, after thinking she had already committed to buying them (she's smart with an excellent head for business -- like I said, the guy was good). Nice pens, but still.
Yeah, some of those guys are good. They'll suck you in for a moment.
I had one that called claiming to be doing an opinion poll on various world topics. He asked me a ton of questions about everything from the financial crisis to the turmoil in the middle east. This went on for nearly 5 minutes. Then his last question was something like "Would you agree that affordable health care is one of the biggest problems facing America right now?" When I said "Yes", he immediately connected me with another operator to schedule a visit from an insurance salesman.
I have the least tolerance for the pen guys. If I wanted some personalized pens, I'd go online and order some.
Has anyone ever said "Oh wait.......I know a good upholsterer.........I have his pen right here!"
Quote from: sofadoc on November 06, 2014, 12:39:02 pm
Has anyone ever said "Oh wait.......I know a good upholsterer.........I have his pen right here!"
Not that I'm aware of, but I've had enough people call saying they were given my card from .... that I keep on buying my business cards. The other stuff is just a racket that keeps someone else in business. I'll not be dumb enough to fall for it next time. Like I said, the buoys are cute but too pricey for what they are.
Virginia
I just feel sorry for the people that trug off to work every morning to have to annoy people who become hostile and reject them.
"How was your day at work today, dear?"
"Not bad. Only cussed out 89 times, but not all them dropped the F*bomb, 123 hung up, but I did sell a couple of boxes of stuff."
One of these days, I'm just going to pretend I'm elderly, slightly demented, hard of hearing, have to stop to run to the toilet in the middle of the call, and just want someone to talk to.
Spent a bit of time on the phone today with several call centers. One kept telling me what he was typing in. With one of the others, everything I said was "fantastic," and all wished me to have a wonderful day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkdoogjic4I
This may have been posted before. If it has, then please don't call me to complain about it.
Folks must be buying stuff from phone solicitors or they wouldn't continue to be as active as they are.
gene
Quote from: gene on November 06, 2014, 03:27:43 pm
Folks must be buying stuff from phone solicitors or they wouldn't continue to be as active as they are.
gene
I read somewhere that if they only get like 10% of their calls to purchase then they're making money. That to me explains why they still do it. You might get cussed out by 90 people but it's worth it for the money you make from the 10% who don't cuss at you. Crazy stuff.
Virginia
For the car warranty people, I tell them I'm glad they called because my truck has 200,000 miles on it and the tranny is about to go and I need a new tranny. You've never seem anyone backtrack so fast. They don't call back.
Quote from: Bob T on November 06, 2014, 08:43:27 pm
For the car warranty people, I tell them I'm glad they called because my truck has 200,000 miles on it and the tranny is about to go and I need a new tranny. You've never seem anyone backtrack so fast. They don't call back.
Now that is funny!
Virginia
I get several phone calls everyday. Yesterday I got them from NH, Texas and CA. Unfortunately because my customers are scattered throughout the USA I HAVE to answer them.
I typically just hang up. But, I just read in Consumer Reports that there is a new application out for cell phones but it only works on certain cell systems. Here is the link to it:
http://www.nomorobo.com/ (http://www.nomorobo.com/)
I am going to research it to find out more about it. I have not had the time to read up on it except for what I seen in Consumer Reports.
BTW, Dennis is right ( Mark that on your calendar as to being right once this month ). Commercial cell phone and landline accounts are not covered under the Do Not Call list. Our business line
is a cell phone through Metro and it is annoying as hell to get these phone calls every single day.
Chris
It appears Nomorobo is not an application and can only be used on landlines.
Dang It............:(
Chris
I did find an app available for free for Androids. I am going to download it and give it a try.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.privacystar.android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.privacystar.android)
For Apple users they have a new app that will be coming out with IOS7.
Chris
I just set the phone down. No need to hang up or talk - just put it down and forget it for 5 minutes. When you go back to it they're gone :o
June
Quote from: JuneC on November 07, 2014, 06:13:01 pm
I just set the phone down.
June
We used to do that but time them to see how long they talk before they figure out that no one is listening on the other end. It's quite funny sometimes what they say when they figure out you've blown them off. ; )
One technique they use is to say nothing when you answer the phone. You say "Hello?". They say nothing. You now turn your attention to the phone and say "Hello?" again. They now say "Hello" knowing that they have your undivided attention and they start giving you their sales pitch.
I think this is rude. Why would I want to talk to anyone who starts the conversation by being rude.
This irritates me so when they finally say "Hello" and they start to give me their sales pitch, I say "Hello? Hello? Anyone there? Hello? I guess they hung up." I then hang up. And I say this while they are trying to tell me that they can hear me.
It's like scratching an itch. It does nothing to change the long term, but it does feel good for the present moment
gene
Quote from: JuneC on November 07, 2014, 06:13:01 pm
I just set the phone down. No need to hang up or talk - just put it down and forget it for 5 minutes. When you go back to it they're gone :o
June
LOL That's funny June. I did that yesterday but forgot to put it back on the hook. Two hours later I was wondering why I wasn't getting any calls.
Quote from: Virgs Sew n Sew on November 06, 2014, 05:53:54 pmI read somewhere that if they only get like 10% of their calls to purchase then they're making money. That to me explains why they still do it.
I would imagine that the numbers are similar for direct mail marketing (junk mail).
Since I now pay all my bills either in-person or online, I very seldom get any mail that is of any importance at all. But I still get a trash can full of junk mail every day. Mostly those "pre-approved" credit card offers. Or Time Warner Cable blitzing me with offers of bundle packages (they also call me at least 3 times a week).
Just like telemarketing, I'm sure they wouldn't do it if it wasn't profitable. But I wish I had all the postage money that they've wasted on me over the years. I'm guessing it would amount to about $2 a day for the last 35+ years. Probably over 25 grand. Then throw in all the money they've spent calling me on the phone.
OK. Now, if it is true that unsolicited inquiries continue to occur because there are folks out there who actually respond to these kind of things, who are the !@#$ who respond to this:
QuotePlease your urgent
Attention is needed, we wish to inform you that our Diplomatic agent conveying
your consignment box valued the sum of $9.5 Million United States Dollars
misplaced your address, we required you Reconfirm the following information's
below so that She can deliver your Consignment box to you today and return
immediately,
I got this in an email today.
Who in the H, E, Double Hockey Sticks, would think that someone carrying my $9.5 Million US dollars would actually misplace my address? And before someone says, "People who voted for Obama", let me remind everyone that this post is about Empty Phone Calls, not politics. (Insert smiley face here.)
SofaD
QuoteBut I wish I had all the postage money that they've wasted on me over the years.
How about getting back all the tax dollars that go into subsidizing 3rd class and bulk mail? We the tax payers are paying for these people to deforest our planet by sending us unwanted junk mail.
gene
Gene:
I get that email all the time. They want your bank account number so they can transfer anything you have in it out. I suspect that this works a fair amount of the time or they would not continue to send it out.
I totally agree with you on the subsidy crap with bulk mail. These are mostly giant corporations doing it. Let them pay the same rates that I pay. USPS would be in the black if that happened or my mail box would not be inundated with junk mail. Either way it's a win-win.
Virginia
Quote from: gene on November 09, 2014, 09:03:39 am
OK. Now, if it is true that unsolicited inquiries continue to occur because there are folks out there who actually respond to these kind of things, who are the !@#$ who respond to this:
QuotePlease your urgent
Attention is needed, we wish to inform you that our Diplomatic agent conveying
your consignment box valued the sum of $9.5 Million United States Dollars
misplaced your address, we required you Reconfirm the following information’s
below so that She can deliver your Consignment box to you today and return
immediately,
I got this in an email today.
Who in the H, E, Double Hockey Sticks, would think that someone carrying my $9.5 Million US dollars would actually misplace my address?
The only reason that more people don't fall for those scams, is that when they go to their bank to withdraw or transfer funds, the bank employees warn them that they are about to be fleeced.
My wife is a personal banker at a local bank. She sees this 2-3 times a week. She is usually able to talk them out of it, but not always. The next time they come in, she'll ask them how it turned out. They're usually too ashamed to admit that they were taken.
On a similar note. Several years ago, the scam was to call older people and tell them that either their grandchild had been involved in an accident and subsequently arrested or that they were being held in a foreign country. Similar kind of deal in that they were to wire money to a certain account and then account holder would "insure that your grandchild will come home". My in-laws actually got one of these calls. What the caller didn't realize was that my nephew and his mother lived with my in-laws. Mom got the call, went into the living room and her grandchild and husband were watching a football game together. Our local paper did a story about these people, based on my in-laws and another older couple's experience.
Virginia
Got a different call today. Before 8 AM and I was looking for a missing sales ticket so I was irritated from the get go. It was a 769 area code I believe. Anyway, I answered and got that click that tells you that you are being transferred. I said hello again and finally a very strong India accented woman responded back hello. She asked if I was the owner of a Windows computer. I asked who this was and she replied Windows Help Desk. I said that I had not started a trouble ticket what did she want. She said that "they could tell that I had downloaded some viruses and they must be removed immediately." I started laughing, told her that this call was total bull**** and hung up.
I'm sure that for a nominal fee, "she" would have been willing to clean up my computer for me.
Virginia
Quote"she" would have been willing to clean up my computer for me.
More like "clean out" your computer for you, and sell all the info. contacts histories etc...
Quote from: Darren Henry on November 12, 2014, 03:34:39 pm
More like "clean out" your computer for you, and sell all the info. contacts histories etc...
I wasn't sure if was going to be that or giving them my bank information so that they could "deduct the charge for fixing my viruses directly from my account". In either case, this call was bad news if I had let it continue.
I also was very careful in how I worded what I said. I wanted to make sure that I never said "yes" "ok" "no problem" or anything that they could use the recording to manipulate what I said into agreeing to whatever vile little scheme they have going on.
Bob said that if I get another Windows call I should just tell them that our house only has Apple computers and that we never get viruses. LOL
Virginia
This one came on my cell phone this afternoon.
Joe Schmoe from the Department of Health & Human Services (yes it did come from a 202 area code). "Because you are such a good citizen and do not have a criminal record, HHS is rewarding you with a grant for $6,700.00. You must only promise not to use it on anything illegal." At this point, I am laughing out loud. Seriously?????
Dude continued his spiel for almost 4 minutes. Check would be mailed to my address but here is a number along with your grant number that you must call to activate your grant. I repeated both numbers out loud but did not write them down as I knew this was bs. Told Bob what the call was about (he was outside supervising Jimmy's after lunch yard behavior). So, after our afternoon coffee and Cougar Town rerun, Bob googled it. Yes, most definitely a scam. When you call back to "activate" your grant, they explain that they need $100.00 ASAP to start processing. Also, even though you are to receive a check they need your bank account number. The site said that as of yet no one's accounts have been drained but that would seem to be the point of the scam. Plus they get $100.00 in check from every fool that believes in this.
Always takes me back to my favorite adage:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Virginia
QuoteIf it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
We pronounce it " isn't ". :D
I have gotten a call from the same guy 3 times in the last two weeks. He's selling spray glue which is a product I use and so I act half way interested.
Every time he calls he acts like its the first time. He has a distinct voice so I know its him and he always starts out by asking if I use spray glue in my business even though he knows I do from the previous calls.
He starts out at $7.59 per 16 0z can and by the time were through he is down to $5.95 with free shipping. No breaks for a 12 can box. He says he will send me a case and I should try one can and if I like it he will bill me. If I don't like it I can send it back. Sounds like a pretty good deal but like Virginia stated in a previous post, I don't like to buy things over the phone.
Quote from: kodydog on November 13, 2014, 07:17:33 pm
He starts out at $7.59 per 16 0z can and by the time were through he is down to $5.95 with free shipping. No breaks for a 12 can box. He says he will send me a case and I should try one can and if I like it he will bill me. If I don't like it I can send it back. Sounds like a pretty good deal but like Virginia stated in a previous post, I don't like to buy things over the phone.
Aerosol cans have an expiration date. If you don't use them fast enough, the propellant goes flat.
The guy on the phone is probably trying to get rid of some old stock.
The good thing is he doesn't have my address. He has an old PO box we don't use any more. He kept asking me for my current address. He was just dieing to send me a case. I'll just bet it's like those ads you see on the internet, its free, free, free. And then in the end they want your credit card number.
I have NEVER responded to a telephone solicitation, so I have never had to worry about issues like "What is it that I will be getting." If I want something, I'll make the phone call.
---------------------
I use a Purchase Order number when I order anything for my business. I got a phone call a few years ago and a guy told me that I hadn't paid my bill. My first question WAS NOT "What are you talking about?" My first question was "What is my Purchase Order number?" Click. He was gone.
----------------------
I have NEVER responded to anyone coming to my door (work or home) trying to sell or even "give me information".
I had 2 folks from a local church knock on my (home) door a few months ago. I told them politely that I was not interested. They ignored what I said and persisted with their spiel.
I then told them that I had no interest in what they were selling. They both looked shocked and said "We're not selling anything!"
I then stepped outside on the porch, in their face, and said in a very friendly manner, "If we can't even agree why it is you are standing on my porch bothering me, we certainly are not going to agree on anything else." I offered my hand and said I was going to enjoy the rest of the day, I hope they would also. They shook my hand and left.
gene
KodyD - you may still get that case of spray glue. "Hey, I have it right here in my notes from when we talked on the phone. You told me to go ahead and send you one case so you could try it."
What's that Purchase Order Number I gave you?
gene
Quote from: Darren Henry on November 13, 2014, 02:50:58 pm
We pronounce it " isn't ". :D
Ah, I left out my [sic]
As in:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is [sic] too good to be true.
That's how my mother always said it.
Virginia
I tell all these tele marketers they need to speak to Bob but he's out fishing. Actually there is no bob here ! Usually they call back asking for Bob. They get a " he's on the other line , hold just a minute ' .Sometimes they even call back again . If I was really working hard on something demanding all my concentration and get interrupted I will blow my cork and repeat the scene from the 40 year old virgin .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=218Cvw1XbLI
I can't find it right now, but my favorite is the guy who pretended to be a peace officer attending a murder crime scene and starts interrogating the telemarketer. "how do you know --Bill ?", Why are you calling Bill?, You did know that Bill was a flaming homosexual didn't you? Are you a jealous lover of his? What is your name address etc... we may to have you brought in for questioning. It's about a four minute pee your pants routine.
QuoteI can't find it right now,
Darren, 2nd page of this Subject, 2nd post. The medicated meditating Metamuciled dog.
QuoteI tell all these tele marketers they need to speak to Bob but he's out fishing.
Has anyone tried this on their spouse or significant other? Or maybe on your kids? It wouldn't work if your name was actually Bob, though.
gene
Yeah Darren , that is the best , heard that before !
Here Darren
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvJQxgtJW94
It has been absolutely unbelievable the last week or so, as far as these scam phone calls go. We have had one, like every other day, all purporting to be "calling from the Government of the United States". The funny part is that their accent is such a thick India accent that it is very difficult to even understand and they have mostly been on my cell. Last time we checked, solicitations were a no-no on cell phones as you are paying for minutes. Also this is my private cell and not part of Sew 'n Sew.
Anyway, I got one on my cell yesterday. I needed full concentration on what I was doing and my cell starts ringing. This one was not from 202 area code like the others have been. So I answered it and this thick accent starts in. I interrupted and said something to the effect of their not even being able to talk correct English and I'm supposed to believe that they are representing my Government. The guy insisted that he was representing "The Government of the United States". I interrupted him again and said "Let me guess. You are going to tell me that you have a grant, probably somewhere around $6,700.00 and all I have to do is call the number you are going to give me along with an "id" number. Those people will tell me that it costs $100.00 to file for the grant and that the money needs to be sent as soon as possible. Oh and they will also need my bank account information, probably so they can take every last penny I have." Before I could tell him what a reprehensible jerk I thought he was, I heard a distinctive "click" on the other end. Maybe after that call, they will put me on their "no-call" list. : )
Virginia
Tuesday I had three messages all from the same guy. He really wanted to get a hold of me because they were about 1/2 hour apart. The guys name was Steve Martin (original huh) and he also spoke with an India accent. Probably the same guy Virginia.
He said I need to contact the Treasury Dept, this is my final notice and failure to do so is a federal crime. So I jotted down the number and did a search on the computer. Many other people were contacted with the same scam. Some even called back and spoke to an angry and rude person.
Here is the # 941-275-8157
Here is the link with the reviews,
http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=941-275-8157