Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Welcome => Forum Info => Topic started by: Techno on 13 June 2019, 03:13:09 PM

Title: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 13 June 2019, 03:13:09 PM
My good colleagues, on the forum.

Can't say why this particularly has 'struck me today'.

Almost certainly after the 4th call today from a call centre in India, or Pakistan....Where I managed to confine myself to just saying 'Fekk Off''....I have to admit, to my absolute shame, that I was SO close to making a truly horrible racist comment, in calling 'Christine', a **** C**t.

As we have friends all over this planet.......

Do our friends (to whom English is NOT their first language) around the world, get as many 'scam' calls ?

Or is it just 'English' speaking countries that get bombarded with this 'poop'.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Leman on 13 June 2019, 03:33:20 PM
I got one that started, "Hello, my name is David."

I replied, "Not with that accent it's not!"
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: fsn on 13 June 2019, 03:50:58 PM
My 3rd fiancee was Indian. All her family used Anglicised names at work.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 13 June 2019, 03:59:46 PM
Quote from: Leman on 13 June 2019, 03:33:20 PM
I got one that started, "Hello, my name is David."

I replied, "Not with that accent it's not!"

Unless they are Indian Christians, then again if they were Christians they wouldn't be scamming...
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Matt J on 13 June 2019, 04:39:30 PM
I deal with a number of companies in Asia (China, Thailand, India, Vietnam etc) pretty much all the contacts have anglicised names.

One poor girl from a Thai company (hugely complicated names) had her handle reduced to 'Porn'. A bit off-putting when you commence an email 'Dear Porn' (took 2 years for them to change it)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Leon on 13 June 2019, 04:49:18 PM
I used to have a member of bar staff in Manchester who was called Xiao Han, but when she'd first started school the teacher refused to attempt it and called her Mandy instead.  The name stuck and she continued using it. 
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 13 June 2019, 05:08:02 PM
Quote from: Leon on 13 June 2019, 04:49:18 PM
I used to have a member of bar staff in Manchester who was called Xiao Han, but when she'd first started school the teacher refused to attempt it and called her Mandy instead.  The name stuck and she continued using it. 

WHAT !!!!!

Pendraken used to run a bar in Manchester ?....How come I never get sent free alcohol with the 'Compliments' slips ? (I think we should be told.  ;))

Cheeeeershhh - Phil (Hic)

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Leon on 13 June 2019, 05:09:55 PM
Quote from: Techno on 13 June 2019, 05:08:02 PM
Pendraken used to run a bar in Manchester ?....How come I never get sent free alcohol with the 'Compliments' slips ? (I think we should be told.  ;))

All the drinks were scaled down so it took ages to get p*ssed...
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Nick the Lemming on 13 June 2019, 05:20:23 PM
Quote from: Ben Waterhouse on 13 June 2019, 03:59:46 PM
Unless they are Indian Christians, then again if they were Christians they wouldn't be scamming...

You must be unaware of the televangelists. :P
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 13 June 2019, 05:24:07 PM
I don't know why I bothered to ask the original question.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Cheersh - Hic.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: d_Guy on 13 June 2019, 06:50:41 PM
The word you almost called poor "Christine" would have approximated the Hindi word, खुत, meaning "Clean".
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: OldenBUA on 14 June 2019, 06:33:17 AM
I got one such call a couple of days ago, and I'm in the Netherlands. So it happens, but not that often. Maybe once or twice a year?
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: mmcv on 14 June 2019, 07:43:59 AM
Are you getting these by mobile or landline? I find mobile services have gotten better at screening these out over the years. Still get the odd one through but can generally tell from the area code of the number that it's a scammer. If in doubt I don't answer and assume anyone important will leave a voicemail. I've no landline so can't speak to that.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 14 June 2019, 08:01:28 AM
Quote from: OldenBUA on 14 June 2019, 06:33:17 AM
I got one such call a couple of days ago, and I'm in the Netherlands. So it happens, but not that often. Maybe once or twice a year?

Did they 'try' and talk to you in Dutch ? OB.

Quote from: mmcv on 14 June 2019, 07:43:59 AM
Are you getting these by mobile or landline? I find mobile services have gotten better at screening these out over the years. Still get the odd one through but can generally tell from the area code of the number that it's a scammer. If in doubt I don't answer and assume anyone important will leave a voicemail. I've no landline so can't speak to that.

Mine's a landline, M.

If my guess is correct, these b*ggers use an auto dialler, and pick on a particular area code.....Then it's just 'pot luck' as to who gets called.
I'm ex-directory.....and subscribe to the telephone preference service....(Overkill is me  ;)).....But it'll never stop random 'dial-ups'.

The caller's number is displayed.....Though I (mostly) forget to look at that.
They've also got quite 'cute' in making it appear that the call is coming from the UK.....As well as that, 'they' also seem to generate different UK landline numbers...So you don't get the same number displayed, if they try again.

Cheers - Phil

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 14 June 2019, 08:47:08 AM
Unfortuneatly they have the tech to piggyback onto other numbers....
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: FierceKitty on 14 June 2019, 11:30:35 AM
Quote from: Matt J on 13 June 2019, 04:39:30 PM
I deal with a number of companies in Asia (China, Thailand, India, Vietnam etc) pretty much all the contacts have anglicised names.

One poor girl from a Thai company (hugely complicated names) had her handle reduced to 'Porn'. A bit off-putting when you commence an email 'Dear Porn' (took 2 years for them to change it)

Not an unusual nickname for Thais.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 14 June 2019, 12:41:11 PM
There's a book called "Cooking with Poo" written by a young lady from your neck of the woods, Alexander. :)

(Available from Amazon .....at least.....)

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: OldenBUA on 14 June 2019, 03:12:29 PM
Quote from: Techno on 14 June 2019, 08:01:28 AM
Did they 'try' and talk to you in Dutch ? OB.

No, this was a standard 'Hello, I am so-and-so and I am calling from Microsoft' call. People will accept that such a call would be in English, and most could manage a conversation I suppose. So it is doable for the scammers.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Big Insect on 14 June 2019, 03:13:48 PM
The 'trick' with auto-diallers on landlines is to 'train' them out of calling you.
There are 2 approaches

1). pick up the phone but remain silent - a lot of auto-dial tech is voice activated - they only want to spend money on the call if they will have somebody to talk to. So until you speak they often wont connect you through to an agent. If I can hear it is a foreign call centre I very often just put the phone to one side (don't hang up) and let them rattle through their script - it's nice to know that you are wasting their money  :D
Ultimately, your number will get a registration in the auto-dialler as being an expensive number to call - as they do get charged for the pick-up. It can be unnerving to friendly callers but I used to just say I had a mouth full of coffee if they queried why I hadn't answered on pick-up. But it's now standard that we leave our answer phone on the landline on permanently and anybody who knows us well and wants us to pick up just shouts abusive messages!

2). the 2nd technique is to have your calls go straight to answer machine (for a few weeks at least) - the auto-dialler will automatically hang-up as the call is of no value to them. After a while you'll notice you have a lot of dropped calls but your 'nuisance' calls get less and less and ultimately disappear.

Talking (or screaming abuse) to the agents who call is pointless and in fact makes matters worse, as all you are doing is confirming that at that time of day you are at home, so can be rung (incessantly) and also they can legitimately sell your number on to others who will also call you. As you are a confirmed target.

Making a note of the numbers and reporting them to your telco provider also works - they will track and block the calls at the main service routers.

If you work at home during the day or run a business from home, this is all a real nuisance but it is ultimately possible to stop the calls.
Not putting a contact tel.number on your business website also stops your number being harvested and abused in the 1st place.

Cheers
Mark
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ithoriel on 14 June 2019, 03:17:19 PM
I think I'll stick with

"Cooking with Pooh"

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTY3j0dtVM2WTo6LKzWFQZ8_Gcjv8-ySt-MYiPyr2RVme7QhfKG)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ithoriel on 14 June 2019, 03:26:50 PM
As a retiree with time to spare I am happy to spin out calls from real people (silent calls and voice messages are such a disappointment) as long as I possibly can.

I am getting worryingly good at the mildly confused old guy routine.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 14 June 2019, 04:05:41 PM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D

I'm just the 'Grumpy Old Git,' Mike.  ;)

Quote from: Big Insect on 14 June 2019, 03:13:48 PM
The 'trick' with auto-diallers on landlines is to 'train' them out of calling you.
There are 2 approaches

1). pick up the phone but remain silent - a lot of auto-dial tech is voice activated - they only want to spend money on the call if they will have somebody to talk to. So until you speak they often wont connect you through to an agent. If I can hear it is a foreign call centre I very often just put the phone to one side (don't hang up) and let them rattle through their script - it's nice to know that you are wasting their money  :D
Ultimately, your number will get a registration in the auto-dialler as being an expensive number to call - as they do get charged for the pick-up. It can be unnerving to friendly callers but I used to just say I had a mouth full of coffee if they queried why I hadn't answered on pick-up. But it's now standard that we leave our answer phone on the landline on permanently and anybody who knows us well and wants us to pick up just shouts abusive messages!

2). the 2nd technique is to have your calls go straight to answer machine (for a few weeks at least) - the auto-dialler will automatically hang-up as the call is of no value to them. After a while you'll notice you have a lot of dropped calls but your 'nuisance' calls get less and less and ultimately disappear.

Talking (or screaming abuse) to the agents who call is pointless and in fact makes matters worse, as all you are doing is confirming that at that time of day you are at home, so can be rung (incessantly) and also they can legitimately sell your number on to others who will also call you. As you are a confirmed target.

Making a note of the numbers and reporting them to your telco provider also works - they will track and block the calls at the main service routers.

If you work at home during the day or run a business from home, this is all a real nuisance but it is ultimately possible to stop the calls.
Not putting a contact tel.number on your business website also stops your number being harvested and abused in the 1st place.

Cheers Mark

I like your thinking, Mark....I'll first have to train myself not to instantly 'snap' at them.

Quote from: OldenBUA on 14 June 2019, 03:12:29 PM
No, this was a standard 'Hello, I am so-and-so and I am calling from Microsoft' call. People will accept that such a call would be in English, and most could manage a conversation I suppose. So it is doable for the scammers.

Interesting, OBUA.

I can imagine they work on the basis that folk in your neck of the woods are very likely to understand English, even if it's not the country's first language.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: d_Guy on 14 June 2019, 04:54:53 PM
We cancelled our landline at the first of this month. All it was doing was providing a voicemail box for robocallers to leave messages.
Anyone who we might actually want to talk to has our cellphone numbers. As was mentioned, our cellphone provider does a much better job screening out junk call.

For those that might remember, we were using DSL (3 Mbps) up to early May (which is why we needed the land line). We FINALLY got the high speed cable put in place - an eye opening 150 Mbps - amazing - satellite TV has now gone away as well as we use Roku. Sometimes I like the new world.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Fenton on 14 June 2019, 05:06:34 PM
I think by law a business website has to have telephone number listed
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Big Insect on 14 June 2019, 06:03:49 PM
Not sure about that one Fenton .... I'll do some research. Think it might depend upon which jurisdiction your in ... the good old EU will probably require it, but who know what the UK policy might be ... (hmmm ... I'll stop this thinking now before it turns this thread all Brexit)!!!!  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 15 June 2019, 07:23:46 AM
It has to have a means of contact, often the totally frustrating LIVE CHAT...

IanS
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: T-Square on 17 June 2019, 04:51:08 AM
Got one of those calls awhile back.  Guy started talking and all I said quite loudly was, "Hello, hello, is there someone there?  I can't hear you.  Hello, hello."  This went on for a bit.  Finally I heard the guy whispering, "asshole, asshole, ...". He finally hung up. 

Hey, I got a laugh out of it.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Fenton on 17 June 2019, 06:42:15 AM
Quote from: Big Insect on 14 June 2019, 06:03:49 PM
Not sure about that one Fenton .... I'll do some research. Think it might depend upon which jurisdiction your in ... the good old EU will probably require it, but who know what the UK policy might be ... (hmmm ... I'll stop this thinking now before it turns this thread all Brexit)!!!!  :'( :'( :'(

Under the companies act 2006 a company must put on their website

Company name
Company registered number
Place of registration, such as England and Wales
Registered office address
Your company name, postal address and company email address
How to contact your business via non-electronic means
Your VAT number, even if the website is not being used for ecommerce transactions
The name of any trade bodies or professional associations that the business is part of, including membership or registration details.

Not sure if non electronic means includes the telephone as well
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: fsn on 17 June 2019, 07:35:40 AM
Quote from: T-Square on 17 June 2019, 04:51:08 AM
Got one of those calls awhile back.  Guy started talking and all I said quite loudly was, "Hello, hello, is there someone there?  I can’t hear you.  Hello, hello."  This went on for a bit.  Finally I heard the guy whispering, "asshole, asshole, ...". He finally hung up. 

Hey, I got a laugh out of it.
I had a similar experience with the vicar.  :P
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Leman on 17 June 2019, 09:15:50 AM
What a very rude vicar!
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 17 June 2019, 09:40:20 AM
Not as rude as the vicar that Von and I met when we still lived in Nottinghamshire.

(He was actually a really lovely chap.)

At that point in time....Von worked part-time at the local 'village' garage.
Tony...The vicar...On his very first day in the parish, went to said garage...and filled his car with the wrong fuel.
I can't remember whether he put petrol in a diesel car...or diesel in a petrol car.....(Which ever one's the real 'no-no'.)

Von says she saw him say a very Anglo-Saxon epithet, beginning with 'F'.
I ended up being pulled away from pushing putty about, to go and give Tony...and his family....a lift to his new vicarage.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ithoriel on 17 June 2019, 09:54:48 AM
A colleague at work once got a call from his wife, who had an important meeting to attend, to tell him she had accidentally filled her petrol car's tank with diesel.

With remarkable restraint, perhaps conscious of the stress she was already under, he told her to get a cab back to the house and take his car.

Cue phone call a short while later to say that she had filled his diesel car's tank with petrol.

I imagine several words beginning with "F" may have been said in their household that night! :)

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: lowlylowlycook on 17 June 2019, 02:26:00 PM
Me and a friend of mine were exchanging info and when he called my cell, Google decided that it was "Scam Likely".   When imported to contacts that reads as First Name: Scam Last Name: Likely.

I'm going to watch his dice rolls very carefully from now on.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 17 June 2019, 05:04:15 PM
Quote from: Ithoriel on 17 June 2019, 09:54:48 AM
A colleague at work once got a call from his wife, who had an important meeting to attend, to tell him she had accidentally filled her petrol car's tank with diesel.
With remarkable restraint, perhaps conscious of the stress she was already under, he told her to get a cab back to the house and take his car.
Cue phone call a short while later to say that she had filled his diesel car's tank with petrol.
I imagine several words beginning with "F" may have been said in their household that night! :)

THAT is a classic !!.... ;D ;D ;D ;D

I'm sure it wasn't very funny, for them, at the time, tho'.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 18 June 2019, 07:25:39 AM
Shouldn't be possible with modern cars, the nozzles on the pipes are different sizes, and the cars have gates on the tank to stop the wrong pump fitting.

IanS
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 07:36:34 AM
I've been meaning to ask, for a while, chaps.....

Does everyone else's 'pain the bum' calls come in the evening, during the 'day'....or a combination of the two ?

99% of mine seem to be during the day. Can't remember the last time I had one after six in the evening.

Just wondering.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 18 June 2019, 08:48:59 AM
Whenever - no particular time.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Leman on 18 June 2019, 08:50:30 AM
During the day.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Orcs on 18 June 2019, 10:43:25 AM
Normally during the day, Often the same one will call at around the same time for a few days.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: mmcv on 18 June 2019, 11:29:58 AM
I suspect a lot of them work office hours just so during the day, it also has the bonus of being able to catch people who are more likely to be naive or vulnerable to their scams during the day, especially the elderly who seem to be on the receiving end of a lot of these scams. You'll find this more with the landline based ones than the mobile ones (as younger people don't have landlines!)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 12:00:25 PM
OI......Careful....I'm classed as elderly. (You young whippersnapper.) ;)

Cheers - The Ancient one
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: mmcv on 18 June 2019, 12:16:36 PM
My humblest respects, oh venerable elder one. You are of course much too wise to be taken in by such charlatons!

Regards,

A young(ish) whippersnapper
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 18 June 2019, 12:39:47 PM
Quote from: Techno on 18 June 2019, 12:00:25 PM
OI......Careful....I'm classed as elderly. )


Not elderly - the waking dead is more accurate !
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 12:43:50 PM
If you only knew, Ian.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ithoriel on 18 June 2019, 01:39:21 PM
...and I saw a figure hunched upon a throne before the altar and the hair of the figure was grey as smoke and the hands thereof were scarred with wounds and before him were men and beasts, the work of his hands, and behold the name of him that sat upon the throne before the altar was Techno, The Ancient Of Days! :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Leman on 18 June 2019, 01:41:50 PM
Anyone seen Techno Viking on You Tube. He can certainly throw some moves. sitting here listening to Utah Saints as I write this.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 03:08:47 PM
Yes.....

That's NOT me. ;)

Cheers - The real Technodestructorman
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: d_Guy on 18 June 2019, 04:37:29 PM
What sort of throne was it? Ovoid? Gleaming white porcelain?
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 04:45:03 PM
Certainly not the 'throne' in Techno Towers than.  ;D ;D ;D

I see Mike (Ithoriel) has upped his chances to be included in the Pendraken New Year's Honours List.

AND you, Bill !!

Cheers - Phil :)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ithoriel on 18 June 2019, 04:45:36 PM
Quote from: d_Guy on 18 June 2019, 04:37:29 PM
What sort of throne was it? Ovoid? Gleaming white porcelain?

A wooden throne, carved, no doubt, from the branches of The World Tree :)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 18 June 2019, 04:52:02 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Nick the Lemming on 18 June 2019, 05:25:47 PM
I thought his throne was just a pile of oik skulls?
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: d_Guy on 18 June 2019, 06:07:42 PM
Quote from: Leman on 18 June 2019, 01:41:50 PM
Anyone seen Techno Viking on You Tube. He can certainly throw some moves. sitting here listening to Utah Saints as I write this.

In the infinite world lines of the Ithingee, which both diverge and converge (unlike physical reality which only diverges - I think), I was pulled back from Techno Viking by Gagham Style and have not looked back. Still nothing quite does it for me like Numa Numa. I would like to investigate 4chan but too fearful of our cultural fascism.
(I am presently under the influence of -perfectly legal and awesomely effective- pain pills).
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ithoriel on 18 June 2019, 07:30:24 PM
Quote from: d_Guy on 18 June 2019, 06:07:42 PM
In the infinite world lines of the Ithingee, which both diverge and converge (unlike physical reality which only diverges - I think), I was pulled back from Techno Viking by Gagham Style and have not looked back. Still nothing quite does it for me like Numa Numa. I would like to investigate 4chan but too fearful of our cultural fascism.
(I am presently under the influence of -perfectly legal and awesomely effective- pain pills).


Not yet into K-Pop, Bill? :)

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: d_Guy on 18 June 2019, 07:34:48 PM
In my present state K-pop is wonderful!
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Leman on 19 June 2019, 09:32:47 AM
Looks like it's been heavily influenced by Thai lady boys. Maybe FK has a view on this.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: FierceKitty on 20 June 2019, 03:43:23 PM
Quote from: Techno on 14 June 2019, 12:41:11 PM
There's a book called "Cooking with Poo" written by a young lady from your neck of the woods, Alexander. :)

(Available from Amazon .....at least.....)

Cheers - Phil

Mmm, much to Lee's amusement. But it means "crab" in Thai.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: FierceKitty on 20 June 2019, 03:44:19 PM
Quote from: Leman on 19 June 2019, 09:32:47 AM
Looks like it's been heavily influenced by Thai lady boys. Maybe FK has a view on this.

At its best, Thai music is better avoided.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ithoriel on 20 June 2019, 05:38:22 PM
I'd say the aesthetic is much influenced by Japanese popular culture.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 08 August 2019, 04:07:04 PM
Good grief !! (Insert your own text, as to what you think I'd REALLY like to put down here......It's rather rude !!) ;)

Had about a dozen calls in the past 48 hours.

They're obviously trying 'Cardigan area code numbers ' with an auto dialler, at the mo'.

At least I got a real person on the end of the line the last time.....So I could vent my spleen. ;)  :d :d :d :d :d :d

Von's told me I'm not to make any racist comments, to the caller....Spoilsport. ;)

I'll just limit myself to "Blank off, you're a parasitic scammer".....Though I wish I had Mike's (Ithoriel's) skill in keeping the wonkers on the line for a long as possible......So it costs them money !

Cheers - Phil.

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: andys on 09 August 2019, 09:14:52 PM
I always ask them what colour underwear they have on, in a loud, clear and confident voice. Doesn't matter if the caller is male or female.

Never respond to anything they say, just keep on repeating the same question, even if they tell you the answer, until they eventually hang up.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 09 August 2019, 10:00:02 PM
Must remember that one...
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: andys on 10 August 2019, 10:04:57 AM
Do it in a General Melchett-type voice for full effect.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 10 August 2019, 10:46:23 AM
If only I didn't go into total, raving, melt down anger.....I might just try that. ;)

Cheers - Phil.

(Though they haven't phoned again since I told them to "Go away".)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 10 August 2019, 11:40:42 AM
Last time I used a 2 word response - but normally ask em technical questions - What operating system, is it a desktop or lap top, which browser. They soon give up then. Also giving them a dose of 4Extra or Radio 4 is good.

IanS
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Steve J on 10 August 2019, 12:58:04 PM
I point out that our number is ex-directory and therefore by 'phoning it, they're breaking the law. We also have that caller preference thing to supposedly prevent such calls, although they are auto-generated. Another thing to be careful of is that you may be being charged for the price of the call, which is one clever scam, so hang up damend quick. I know one chap who set up his number premium rate) in such a way as he made money from the calls, so kept them chatting for as long as possible, knowing he was raking it in :D.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Dr Dave on 10 August 2019, 04:38:07 PM
I ask them how they look in the mirror knowing that their mummy and dad raised them to be liars and thieves. Then I get rude and nasty!

It's a nice vent if I've had a tough day  ;D
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 10 August 2019, 04:43:44 PM
Quote from: Steve J on 10 August 2019, 12:58:04 PM
I point out that our number is ex-directory and therefore by 'phoning it, they're breaking the law. We also have that caller preference thing to supposedly prevent such calls, although they are auto-generated.

I'm ex-D......and on the (now) laughable telephone pref. service......

As you mention, Steve auto diallers from overseas don't give a poo.  ;)

Seeing as they haven't called for 24 hours, I guess another area code is now getting calls from these awfully nice people. ;)

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: mollinary on 10 August 2019, 07:01:55 PM
Quote from: Techno on 10 August 2019, 04:43:44 PM

Seeing as they haven't called for 24 hours, I guess another area code is now getting calls from these awfully nice people. ;)

Cheers - Phil

Yes, mine! Eight times in the last forty eight hours!
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 10 August 2019, 07:50:07 PM
Quote from: mollinary on 10 August 2019, 07:01:55 PM
Yes, mine! Eight times in the last forty eight hours!

Ditto - six
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 11 August 2019, 08:12:21 AM
 X_X =)

They ARE (please insert your own word or phrase here) !!! :(

I assume it was the same "This is your Internet Service Provider.....There has been fraudulent activity on your line....We will be terminating your connection in the next 24 hours....Please press one to speak to an advisor."

That's what I was getting apart from the one 'real person' that I was rude to. ;)

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: mollinary on 11 August 2019, 08:21:28 AM
Yes that was the one, plus another claiming there was currently an on line transaction going on from my account of £600, please press one to talk to an adviser. Only one of the 8 was a real person, and that call lasted four seconds!
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 11 August 2019, 08:23:34 AM
My last set were from the United Utilities office in Warrington, 5 silent ones. OFCOM informed  ;)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Orcs on 11 August 2019, 09:50:20 PM
Mrs Orcs colleague has had his telephone number cloned by a scam company, so that when they call someone the number shown is his. THis means he gets loads of call from people who call to ask him why he called.  Bt reckon their is nothing they can do .....HMMMMM!
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 12 August 2019, 07:12:35 AM
Quote from: Orcs on 11 August 2019, 09:50:20 PM
Mrs Orcs colleague has had his telephone number cloned by a scam company, so that when they call someone the number shown is his. THis means he gets loads of call from people who call to ask him why he called.  Bt reckon their is nothing they can do .....HMMMMM!

That's a b*gger !!......I'd always assumed that the scammers used non existent numbers to pretend they were calling from the UK.
There used to be a service called CNI (Called Number Intercept) when I worked for BT...a lifetime ago.

That meant anyone calling a CNI'd number would first go through to an operator, who would ask why they were calling.....and then pass the call on, if it was a genuine one.
(This was to intercept malicious/stalker type calls.)
Maybe BT don't provide that anymore.....They'd probably get far too many requests for that service, because of the multitude of scam calls nowadays. X_X

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 31 August 2019, 10:05:36 AM
Stroll on.... X_X

Have these ******* called the rest of the UK already !!!
Appears to only have taken then 3 weeks to get back around to me....Bet it's the same shots (sic) as before.

Starting from scratch again, perhaps ?  =)

(Oh for a real person on the end of the line, rather than the automated message.)

Cheers - Phil  ;)





Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Heedless Horseman on 03 September 2019, 02:47:09 AM
7 , SEVEN calls in 2 1/2 hours last Tuesday...strange(?)...day after U.K  Bank Hol? 2 BT recorded messages, 2 Service Provider recorded messages and 3 auto's that rang off as I paused before saying anything. At the time, I was trying to bathe my 86 yr old mother!. If 'they' could get Bin Laden they could get some of these b*****ds.  Not lol.   >:(
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 03 September 2019, 07:24:51 AM
AAARGH !!

After the single call a few days ago, I was expecting a load more.....But haven't had one since.
Probably trying to lull me into a false sense of security.

Sympathies, HH.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 03 September 2019, 08:25:51 AM
Last I had- UK voice over saying my visa card had been used in a foreign country, press 1 to find out more. Did si and was told by an Asian voice I had rung them. Let you imagine my reply !. Then checked with bank and Cc coy, it were a scam. Lady at Lloyds was amused by my response to spammers.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 30 July 2020, 07:10:18 AM
There was a very good prog on Channel 5 last night featuring an 'ethical hacker' who showed the 'tricks of the trade', and how the naughty people use them.

(Some of this has been mentioned already, in previous posts....but it cleared up a few things in what passes for my mind.)

There was a tiny little 'computer', about the size of a 20 packet of 20 ciggys that was shown....Yours for £30...that could be programmed to spit out 200 calls a second.
They 'use the net' to make these calls, so it's not like they're paying proper money for them.

No wonder there are so many of these wretched calls floating around.

He also showed how he could make a call, (or send a text) and make it appear that it came from ANY telephone number he wanted.....Your bank, the taxman, 10 Downing street, a family member.....you name it !

Makes me even more wary now !  ;D ;D

Cheers - Phil

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: FierceKitty on 30 July 2020, 07:34:08 AM
There've been a few tenants at No. 10 that I could imagine using such machines and tactics (Pitt the Elder and Disraeli, to name the safer ones).
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 30 July 2020, 10:33:02 AM
I'm sure we've all been plagued by this.

As somebody who works in IT (and sometimes Telecomms) I am hugely disappointed that our telecomms providers aren't doing more to de-tox the wires they run into our houses.

My own experience relates to a busy time, expecting an important medical call; 4 or 5 calls in one morning form "Microsoft".
* Finally decided to report to my provider to have the source blocked. What a rigmarole to try to find the provider's number. What a wait.
* Described the problem, provider asked for the source number.
* When I reported it was withheld, I was told "We can't do anything because we can't tell where it's coming from".
* Listen sunshine: You bill these bandits (directly or indirectly), you relay my voice direct to their handset - you most certainly know who they are (of could find out in seconds based on your call records).

The technical solutions are very easy (Track the sources sending 30+ simultaneous messages throughout the working day).
The technical solution isn't applied because it would involve some loss of revenue.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: O Dinas Powys on 06 August 2020, 11:23:49 AM
Quote from: andys on 09 August 2019, 09:14:52 PM
I always ask them what colour underwear they have on, in a loud, clear and confident voice. Doesn't matter if the caller is male or female.

Never respond to anything they say, just keep on repeating the same question, even if they tell you the answer, until they eventually hang up.

I like to repeatedly ask if they're a computer, questioning them with, "Are you sure?" if they say otherwise  ;)

Or, if it's the accident lot, "Blimey that was quick, the fire brigade hasn't even made it to cut me out yet!"
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: O Dinas Powys on 06 August 2020, 11:30:41 AM
Quote from: ianrs54 on 18 June 2019, 07:25:39 AM
Shouldn't be possible with modern cars, the nozzles on the pipes are different sizes, and the cars have gates on the tank to stop the wrong pump fitting.

IanS

You shouldn't be able to get diesel into a petrol becasue a diesel nozzle's wider, but you can get petrol into a diesel - only done it once and thankfully reslised before I started the engiune!  :-[
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Orcs on 06 August 2020, 12:34:18 PM
Quote from: O Dinas Powys on 06 August 2020, 11:30:41 AM
You shouldn't be able to get diesel into a petrol becasue a diesel nozzle's wider, but you can get petrol into a diesel - only done it once and thankfully reslised before I started the engiune!  :-[

They should make the nozzles different shapes. I did it once and realised before starting the engine, the recovery man said he picks up an average of 6 a week incorrectly fuelled vehicles.

Need an FV432 as it runs on anything. Its also zero road tax and does not require an MOT 
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: sean66 on 06 August 2020, 01:19:51 PM
the problem with a 432 is the tracks are a bit dearer than wheels and you go through them faster.
also I think council might want a bit of money every six months to relay your road  ;D
regards
Sean
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Orcs on 06 August 2020, 01:23:34 PM
Quote from: sean66 on 06 August 2020, 01:19:51 PM
the problem with a 432 is the tracks are a bit dearer than wheels and you go through them faster.
also I think council might want a bit of money every six months to relay your road  ;D
regards
Sean

The state of the roads around me they won't notice.  There are more potholes than road in some places
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 06 August 2020, 04:36:39 PM
Quote from: sean66 on 06 August 2020, 01:19:51 PM
the problem with a 432 is the tracks are a bit dearer than wheels and you go through them faster.
also I think council might want a bit of money every six months to relay your road  ;D
regards
Sean

It's got rubber blocks on the tracks for just that reason
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 07 August 2020, 07:38:13 AM
Quote from: Orcs on 06 August 2020, 01:23:34 PM
The state of the roads around me they won't notice.  There are more potholes than road in some places

They've actually been repairing some reasonably large chunks of road here, recently......That'll spoil my games of pothole slalom, driving into Cardigan. :(

Cheers - Phil ;)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 07 August 2020, 07:49:03 AM
The gravel surface isn't too durable Phil  :D
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno on 07 August 2020, 07:57:59 AM
I would have to give the guys credit for doing such a good job 'along the lane'..........I'm sure the cyclists around here are finding they don't have such painful nether regions anymore.
(Must have almost crippled some of them !)

There's only one village on the way to Cardigan that could do with a 'sprucing up' now....That's the only one where I can now play the aforementioned pothole slalom. ;)

Cheers - Phil :)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Steve J on 07 August 2020, 10:32:24 AM
Hmmm, come Winter roads round our neck of the woods (the outskirts of Bristol) are going to be in a terrible state, as the surface is already broken up :(. When I cycle over certain sections I keep having to check I haven't got a puncture due to the noise it makes!
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Raider4 on 07 August 2020, 10:40:22 AM
Quote from: Steve J on 07 August 2020, 10:32:24 AM
Hmmm, come Winter roads round our neck of the woods (the outskirts of Bristol) are going to be in a terrible state, as the surface is already broken up :(. When I cycle over certain sections I keep having to check I haven't got a puncture due to the noise it makes!

Aye, roads in Bristol are terrible. But I think that's by design. It's been clear for years that whoever runs the Bristol traffic planning department just really, really hates cars.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Raider4 on 30 November 2020, 11:34:17 AM
Argh! Just had one these robot voice calls, from Amazon about my Prime renewal . . .

Normally I don't answer, because they show up as (mostly) made up numbers (No UK phone number starts '06xxx' . . .).

But this one purported to come from my wife's parents. Which show these buggers have some information about who might genuinely ring my number on a regular basis! Worrying.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno II on 30 November 2020, 03:09:13 PM
They can 'pretend' to be phoning from any number they choose now. (Barstewards)
A scammer can 'use' a genuine 'the tax office' number....The houses of Parliament....A relation....Whatever, nowadays.

Agreed, that's slightly worrying that they appear to have your in-laws' number...and have linked it to you, Martyn. :-\
Hmmmm.

Mind you, using their number for an Amazon Prime scam is a bit of a giveaway.......A bit of a sod if they're using that number to do multiple Amazon calls.
Your in-laws might end up fielding a lot of calls from folk who believe that the in-laws' number IS Amazon.....or scammers.......I hope not. X_X

Cheers - Phil

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 30 November 2020, 03:58:33 PM
Most oif the numbers don't show Phil, so altough a call scanner helps some will get through.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Orcs on 30 November 2020, 06:59:12 PM
Quote from: Techno II on 30 November 2020, 03:09:13 PM
They can 'pretend' to be phoning from any number they choose now. (Barstewards)
A scammer can 'use' a genuine 'the tax office' number....The houses of Parliament....A relation....Whatever, nowadays.


They called my daughter recently cloning the Tax office number, Told her she owed them £2000 and they were going to take her to court.  She does owe a  couple of Hundred due to changing jobs , so they caught her at the "right" time . Fortunately She guessed it was a scam , but the caller got her into a right state. She eventually hung up and called me in tears.

After I had calmed her down and made sure she had not given them any details. I told her all the usual stuff - tel them to write to you, just hang up etc.

I feel sorry for the genuine people making calls to thier customers , they must get so much grief.  I told a lady to "F*ck Off" on one occasion, when she just called and said "Hello Mr Webb How are you, are you having a good day" rather than saying its" Jane from Nationwide".  She called back again and said exactly that, I recognized her voice and had to profusely apologize.

   




   
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: John Cook on 01 December 2020, 02:22:51 AM
You have a number of options with these telephone scams.  If it is from an entity with which you don't have a relationship it's easy - just ring off and block the number.  If it purports to come from a bank, building society, insurance company or whatever, where you hold an account ask them for a letter of your password, say the fifth for example, or one of the other memorable names or places you have chosen.  If they can't, they are fake and most won't even know what you account number is either.  If you are convinced it is genuine, tell them that you are ringing off and will call them back, and then do so, preferably from another phone.  Treat all unsolicited calls as scams potentially.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno II on 17 November 2021, 04:08:04 PM
First one for AGES...it was quite amusing, in reality.

"Amazon Prime" querying my account...Still haven't got a Prime a/c.

Kept him on the phone for a good few minutes...finally told him that the number they'd 'spoofed' was in my own telephone area....Bit of a giveaway.

Especially as the call was definitely coming from overseas. ;D  ;D  ;D

Cheers - Phil. ;)

Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 18 November 2021, 06:11:24 AM
Had a couple lately trying to tell me I'd spent £700 + on Amazon, then refused to tell where from.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno II on 18 November 2021, 07:32:28 AM
To me, the other complete giveaway is that they never call you by your name. (Because they don't know it.)

It's always "Good morning sir, how are you today"

Cheers - Phil. :)
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: mmcv on 18 November 2021, 08:57:10 AM
"Good evening sir, this is your bank, who you have banked with for many years...."
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: DecemDave on 18 November 2021, 09:52:18 AM
Yesterday

"Can I speak to X please"
"what about"
"about the minor accident"
"are you a friend or a relative, because I am sorry I have some bad news for you that he is not very well at all and.... blah gabble waffle
They rang off in the middle of me speaking!   I was just warming up.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: DecemDave on 18 November 2021, 09:57:44 AM
QuoteTo me, the other complete giveaway is that they never call you by your name. (Because they don't know it.)

Sadly some do.  I once was daft enough to fill in one of those "win a holiday" surveys at an airport.  Well the plane was delayed, I was "tired and emotional"...  Luckily I put a false first name with the real mobile number.  Its obviously for sale on a list somewhere as I have had quite a few calls for it since.
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: mmcv on 18 November 2021, 11:31:08 AM
My email address must have made its way onto a scammer list recently, getting 10-20 times the number of spam emails I used to. Thankfully the filters catch them but quite annoying as easier to miss the odd mistaken spam email that was actually legit. 
Title: Re: Telephone Scammers.
Post by: Techno II on 18 November 2021, 04:52:38 PM
QuoteSadly some do.  I once was daft enough to fill in one of those "win a holiday" surveys at an airport.  Well the plane was delayed, I was "tired and emotional"...  Luckily I put a false first name with the real mobile number.  Its obviously for sale on a list somewhere as I have had quite a few calls for it since.

Since the time I filled in a form for some wonker (10 ? years ago)....I've changed my e'mail addy....and that (fortunately) still seems to be 'secret'.

I have had just one call in the last few years, where I've asked "What's my name, then sonny ?".....And the answer was a surname from someone who used this (postal) addy, as a blind, for her own nefarious reasons.

I know exactly who that was.

One day, I'll drop her in the poop. :d  :d

Cheers - Phil. :)