My answering machine picked up a call from 800-291-4814 claiming that my Windows License was going to expire. I did a Google Search of the number and it is a scam according to the link below. It is getting harder and harder to make a dishonest buck from people who think to investigate before running out into the street with their hair on fire.
Another Scam
- Thread starter tomturbomatic
- Start date
Help Support :
Oh, I got a live call for something like this in March. The person on the other end of the phone kept insisting I type in a command on my keyboard. Well, I'd had a couple of Manhattans and Ray Conniff was on the Hi-Fi so I did my best to convince the person on the other end of the line that they had called 1958 and the only keyboard was on the typewriter at my office at the Eaton's warehouse on DeLormier in Montreal... It was almost working until the dazed call-centre criminal's supervisor got involved. My dinner party guests were amused at least!
polkanut
Well-known member
Oh Paul,
That's when the fun really should have started.
That's when the fun really should have started.
I haven't had more than maybe 3 a robo / sales call in the 3 years since I got Ooma. However prior to that I'd get numerous a week. When I did I'd sometimes play along with them for awhile and then act all frustrated because it didn't seem to be working and then ask them if they could come over to help me out and maybe because they sounded sexy (male or female) maybe we could do such and such up in my bedroom.. that ended the call and tbh it's sort of fun.
Fortunately, I have caller ID and if I don't recognize the name or number, it goes to the answering machine where it usually ends as a hang up.
A couple of months ago I had a similar experience. I was busy cooking dinner and had the TV on so the caller ID for my Comcast voice displayed the caller to be Apple, so I answered the call. Immediately, the recorded voice advised me that my iCloud acct. had been compromised and I should either press 2 to speak with an agent to correct the situation, or call a number that I copied down. I didn't press anything, suspecting a scam, and hung up.
I then went online and checked the number on the Apple website, both the callers number and the one I copied down, and they were both legit Apple numbers. I then called Apple and told the agent about the call. He advised me that this was a scam indeed, that these unscrupulous people used the Apple phone number in the caller ID so unsuspecting people would cooperate with their scam. He told me that Apple would never call like this, which already pretty much knew. He checked my iCloud and found no problems, which I also was certain he would tell me, since I really don't use iCloud.
Now in my area these crooks are using legit local phone numbers on their caller ID trying to get poeple to answer calls that they think might be for real. There is no end to what dishonest people will do to take advantage of the unsuspecting.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 7/5/2017-14:49]
I then went online and checked the number on the Apple website, both the callers number and the one I copied down, and they were both legit Apple numbers. I then called Apple and told the agent about the call. He advised me that this was a scam indeed, that these unscrupulous people used the Apple phone number in the caller ID so unsuspecting people would cooperate with their scam. He told me that Apple would never call like this, which already pretty much knew. He checked my iCloud and found no problems, which I also was certain he would tell me, since I really don't use iCloud.
Now in my area these crooks are using legit local phone numbers on their caller ID trying to get poeple to answer calls that they think might be for real. There is no end to what dishonest people will do to take advantage of the unsuspecting.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 7/5/2017-14:49]
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
Another way scammers get by
We have had calls where they have spoofed the caller ID and the call was showing it was coming from my cell phone. It was Rachel from Card services--B!!!!
We have had calls where they have spoofed the caller ID and the call was showing it was coming from my cell phone. It was Rachel from Card services--B!!!!
Had a call recently on my landline from a fellow who said he's returning a call, apparently a telemarketer call to him that spoofed my number. He didn't believe I hadn't made the call to him. I hadn't made *any* calls all day, and I have no long distance service on my landline so *couldn't* have called him if he's not local.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
I get calls all the time from the scammers, they always show a city and state for some reason but not usually a name. I don't answer them.
When I did answer them - would get the Microsoft scammers telling me "something is wrong with my compootah". I remember one calling, caller ID said it was Microsoft from WA. An Indian lady said "You are having a computer problem and you are using Windows Vista. Right?" I blew into the phone and she blew back a couple times, I laughed and hung up.
Another time recently they called and said I was having a "network security issue". I said I had an Apple and blew in the phone at them. They said it was an interesting sound and I hung up. As soon as I did they kept calling and calling and blowing back until I left the phone off the hook.
I too have had the spoof numbers where it showed my name and number as the caller.
When I did answer them - would get the Microsoft scammers telling me "something is wrong with my compootah". I remember one calling, caller ID said it was Microsoft from WA. An Indian lady said "You are having a computer problem and you are using Windows Vista. Right?" I blew into the phone and she blew back a couple times, I laughed and hung up.
Another time recently they called and said I was having a "network security issue". I said I had an Apple and blew in the phone at them. They said it was an interesting sound and I hung up. As soon as I did they kept calling and calling and blowing back until I left the phone off the hook.
I too have had the spoof numbers where it showed my name and number as the caller.
When I had that incident with the Apple spoof caller it was on a Sat. On Mon. morn I called the DA's office, Fraud Division, reached a voice mail msg that assured me my call would be returned. I left a detailed msg, never rec'd a call back. Clearly, they don't give a sh-t. So if they don't, neither do I, I'm not calling back. And I'm not answering ANY calls unless I know the caller. If its so important to reach me, leave a msg and I'll call back.
It is really outrageous that these people can get away with using other peoples numbers and identity to carry out their criminal activities, an nobody cares to put a stop to it.
Eddie
It is really outrageous that these people can get away with using other peoples numbers and identity to carry out their criminal activities, an nobody cares to put a stop to it.
Eddie
toploader55
Well-known member
Lately,
I get calls from my area code and local exchanges. I don't answer but I use the White Pages reverse look up. White Pages will give you a "idea" if it's High or low risk.
I still won't believe it or call back. What about the elders that don't have a clue ???
I remember back in the 60s when I was a child and the phone (truly) rang (with bells) and it was exciting if your parents would let you answer to see who was calling.
I get calls from my area code and local exchanges. I don't answer but I use the White Pages reverse look up. White Pages will give you a "idea" if it's High or low risk.
I still won't believe it or call back. What about the elders that don't have a clue ???
I remember back in the 60s when I was a child and the phone (truly) rang (with bells) and it was exciting if your parents would let you answer to see who was calling.
Eddie,
I do the same thing and get a lot of these calls too, which I don't answer. When I look in the reverse directory for these local numbers it almost always shows the number to be a landline with no or low risk of spam. Leads me to believe that this is the new scheme that is being used to bypass Nomorobo and other call blockers. And I have been seeing reports on the news that now these robo callers want to be able to leave ringless VM's and texts, which is even more annoying because at this time there is no way to block these VM's and a real PITA to go into VM and clear this crap out.
Looks like we are living in the new age of consumer be damned.
Eddie
I do the same thing and get a lot of these calls too, which I don't answer. When I look in the reverse directory for these local numbers it almost always shows the number to be a landline with no or low risk of spam. Leads me to believe that this is the new scheme that is being used to bypass Nomorobo and other call blockers. And I have been seeing reports on the news that now these robo callers want to be able to leave ringless VM's and texts, which is even more annoying because at this time there is no way to block these VM's and a real PITA to go into VM and clear this crap out.
Looks like we are living in the new age of consumer be damned.
Eddie
I usually get a couple every day. Unless it shows up on Caller ID as a name and number I know, they hang up at the start of the answering machine. I have got my name and number and numerous ones from my same area code and exchange. How do these people always keep one step ahead of the law?
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
I just checked my voicemails and all sorts of crap from "Debt collectors" saying I need to call back ASAP before legal action is taken. Have no debts I'm aware of.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
By the way, I was told not to call back these scam numbers as you may get a long distance charge on your bill.
Honestly if you're using a traditional phone co. land line you're wasting a ton of money every month / year compared to Ooma . I pay about $4 cdn a month and a yearly $120 Cdn for their Premier service which gives me no robo calls. N.America wide calling, two phone numbers (my 2nd number that rings here is a NY state number ) call waiting, call display, voice mail, call blocking, call re routing, calls to/from smartphone or tablet for free over wifi.. tons of things for so little money.
arbilab
Well-known member
Ray Conniff
Wah. Wah wah wah wah Wah. Wah wah wah Wah WAH!
Wah. Wah wah wah wah Wah. Wah wah wah Wah WAH!
If I don't know the number, I won't answer it period. I don't give out my cell number anymore either. If something requires a phone number I give them the magic jack number. That ringer is turned off and the machine also. If they leave a voicemail it comes to my email and I can listen if I want to.
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