Scammers telephoning

Thoughts_Arrive

Does anyone else here receive such calls?
I have been receiving calls on the home phone for a few days now from some server generated number.
Claiming to be from the "internet security department" of an Australian telecommunications company (Telstra).
Saying there's problems with my internet (hackers and viruses) and I need to get on some website to fix it and if I don't they will cut off my internet right away.
People with Indian accents all the time and with a lot of background noise like a call centre. 
I had fun with one lady yesterday. Kept her on the line for over 10 minutes.
Everytime I had her explain the problem I would play a YouTube of Luke Skywalker after he finds out Vader is his dad "no, that's not true, that's impossible" and "amazing, everything you just said, is wrong" from TLJ. 
I'm waiting for the next call, I have my Luke Skywalker soundboard from some site I found off Google "it just isn't faaaair"

The Juggler

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

tempo_n_groove

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

The Juggler

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

Yeah I forget the name of that kind of scam. But they try to make it seem like it is a local call so you're more inclined to answer. Texting is the same thing as answering though. So the more you text, the more calls you're going to get.

JK_Livin

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

Yup. I actually called back a number and some guy answers and says he didn't call me. There's nothing you can do. Blocking numbers doesn't work because they just keep using new numbers that are masked to look like local numbers that you may recognize. Then there's the other set of robocalls that come from all over the place, different states and countries.

The Juggler

JK_Livin said:

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

Yup. I actually called back a number and some guy answers and says he didn't call me. There's nothing you can do. Blocking numbers doesn't work because they just keep using new numbers that are masked to look like local numbers that you may recognize. Then there's the other set of robocalls that come from all over the place, different states and countries.

I notice this happens to me more often after I make or receive an actual call. Then within 10 minutes or so one of these nonsense calls come in...

Jed

Try downloading an app like "hiya"

That can block a lot of these type of calls.

hedonist

The Juggler said:

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

Yeah I forget the name of that kind of scam. But they try to make it seem like it is a local call so you're more inclined to answer. Texting is the same thing as answering though. So the more you text, the more calls you're going to get.

Yup, the majority of the weird ones show the same area code and prefix as I.  Not gonna fool me!  Agreed that the rule of thumb is to ignore any unfamiliar number.  Nary a voicemail yet.

One other thing I've heard is to avoid saying the word "yes" if you actually speak with a scammer.  That can be spliced into conversation to make it appear you agreed to whatever is being offered.

tempo_n_groove

The Juggler said:

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

Yeah I forget the name of that kind of scam. But they try to make it seem like it is a local call so you're more inclined to answer. Texting is the same thing as answering though. So the more you text, the more calls you're going to get.

My own number was on the caller id before too...  I screen shot that one, lol.

The Juggler

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

Yeah I forget the name of that kind of scam. But they try to make it seem like it is a local call so you're more inclined to answer. Texting is the same thing as answering though. So the more you text, the more calls you're going to get.

My own number was on the caller id before too...  I screen shot that one, lol.

Yeah that has happened to me a couple times. So weird

cutz

I answer the call and i don't say a word. They usually hang up after a few seconds or so. I was getting way too many Voice Mails from them when i ignored the call, so if i answer  they can't leave a voice mail. Not answering, IMO, does not prevent these calls. I don't think it's ever gonna stop.

cutz

Jed said:

Try downloading an app like "hiya"

That can block a lot of these type of calls.

Jed, and Anyone else, try this App? If so, does it really work?

tempo_n_groove

cutz said:

I answer the call and i don't say a word. They usually hang up after a few seconds or so. I was getting way too many Voice Mails from them when i ignored the call, so if i answer  they can't leave a voice mail. Not answering, IMO, does not prevent these calls. I don't think it's ever gonna stop.

I can't believe that we don't have laws preventing these damn calls...

The Juggler

cutz said:

I answer the call and i don't say a word. They usually hang up after a few seconds or so. I was getting way too many Voice Mails from them when i ignored the call, so if i answer  they can't leave a voice mail. Not answering, IMO, does not prevent these calls. I don't think it's ever gonna stop.

Answering, I believe,  tells them they have a live person there and your number then becomes more valuable to other spammers.

cutz

The Juggler said:

cutz said:

I answer the call and i don't say a word. They usually hang up after a few seconds or so. I was getting way too many Voice Mails from them when i ignored the call, so if i answer  they can't leave a voice mail. Not answering, IMO, does not prevent these calls. I don't think it's ever gonna stop.

Answering, I believe,  tells them they have a live person there and your number then becomes more valuable to other spammers.

I've done the the no answering for long periods of time, and that doesn't prevent the calls.In fact when i didn't answer and Blocked the number, my auto reject box was so filled i had to delete older blocked numbers. Like i said: I don't think it's  ever gonna  stop.

cutz

tempo_n_groove said:

cutz said:

I answer the call and i don't say a word. They usually hang up after a few seconds or so. I was getting way too many Voice Mails from them when i ignored the call, so if i answer  they can't leave a voice mail. Not answering, IMO, does not prevent these calls. I don't think it's ever gonna stop.

I can't believe that we don't have laws preventing these damn calls...

I think ther are laws, but i also think it's difficult to catch these Scammers.

The Juggler

cutz said:

The Juggler said:

cutz said:

I answer the call and i don't say a word. They usually hang up after a few seconds or so. I was getting way too many Voice Mails from them when i ignored the call, so if i answer  they can't leave a voice mail. Not answering, IMO, does not prevent these calls. I don't think it's ever gonna stop.

Answering, I believe,  tells them they have a live person there and your number then becomes more valuable to other spammers.

I've done the the no answering for long periods of time, and that doesn't prevent the calls.In fact when i didn't answer and Blocked the number, my auto reject box was so filled i had to delete older blocked numbers. Like i said: I don't think it's  ever gonna  stop.

Answering is doing more harm than not though.

HesCalledDyer

The Juggler said:

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

tempo_n_groove said:

The Juggler said:

All you have to do is answer one of those calls and you will be bombarded by multiple scammers from here until eternity. Just do not answer any number you don't recognize and then block it. Answering is the worst thing you can do.

So funny thing about the "blocking" of numbers.

I started hitting  a reply text of "I'm on my way" instead of blocking the call to have some fun.  Well I get replies to my text that ask "who's this?"

I reply, you called me.

No I didn't?!?

Come to find out that the robocallers are using real peoples caller ID and hiding their numbers.  So the 100 other calls that I've blocked were actual numbers and not the robocallers.

Yeah I forget the name of that kind of scam. But they try to make it seem like it is a local call so you're more inclined to answer. Texting is the same thing as answering though. So the more you text, the more calls you're going to get.

My own number was on the caller id before too...  I screen shot that one, lol.

Yeah that has happened to me a couple times. So weird

Same here.  I also get a bunch of calls from a number that that has the last two digits of my number switched.  I usually just use my iPhone's block this caller feature and I sign up for the DNC list every year, even though it's supposed to last 7 years or something. It never does.

oftenreading

I just don’t answer. There will be a flurry of calls from weird numbers for weeks and then it dies off again for months at a time. I think, on balance, the not answering works. 

HesCalledDyer

oftenreading said:

I just don’t answer. There will be a flurry of calls from weird numbers for weeks and then it dies off again for months at a time. I think, on balance, the not answering works. 

That's been about my experience. Even being on the DNC registry I still get calls.  But I'll get them all at the same time then it dies down for a while.

Thoughts_Arrive

I don't think you can block calls on landline phones, the number on the screen is some weird server generated number and the last few digits change with each call.
The caller even said that it's a server generated number when I told her I see it's not an Aussie number.
They didn't call last night, so maybe they got the hint that I ain't no fool.
The same lady called me 3 times, how dumb does she think I am.
I even told her that I am recording her and then she said she's recording me before hanging up before calling the next day.
I like having fun with them, she was so confused at the Star Wars sound bits.

Thoughts_Arrive

Btw, I took note of the numbers and date/time and reported it to Telstra's abuse team.

curmudgeoness

I realized that more than 90% of the calls I was receiving on my landline were spam. So I cancelled voicemail and turned off the ringer, and gave my cell number to people who actually have a reason to call me. I use the landline for outgoing calls only. (Yes, it's on the "do not call" registry; scammers don't care.)

Of course, now I'm getting spam calls on my cell phone, but those are easy to reject. I only answer if I know who's calling. Otherwise, if it's important, they will leave a message.

The Juggler

curmudgeoness said:

I realized that more than 90% of the calls I was receiving on my landline were spam. So I cancelled voicemail and turned off the ringer, and gave my cell number to people who actually have a reason to call me. I use the landline for outgoing calls only. (Yes, it's on the "do not call" registry; scammers don't care.)

Of course, now I'm getting spam calls on my cell phone, but those are easy to reject. I only answer if I know who's calling. Otherwise, if it's important, they will leave a message.

I don’t think I got your cell number...

cutz

The Juggler said:

cutz said:

The Juggler said:

cutz said:

I answer the call and i don't say a word. They usually hang up after a few seconds or so. I was getting way too many Voice Mails from them when i ignored the call, so if i answer  they can't leave a voice mail. Not answering, IMO, does not prevent these calls. I don't think it's ever gonna stop.

Answering, I believe,  tells them they have a live person there and your number then becomes more valuable to other spammers.

I've done the the no answering for long periods of time, and that doesn't prevent the calls.In fact when i didn't answer and Blocked the number, my auto reject box was so filled i had to delete older blocked numbers. Like i said: I don't think it's  ever gonna  stop.

Answering is doing more harm than not though.

With all due respect, but i guess you  didn't read what i posted about getting calls and not answering? It did not matter if i answered or not, they still call.  And, they're always gonna call. It SUCKS but ther is no way around it.

The Juggler

^^
https://www.bbb.org/en/us/article/news-releases/16670-a-new-kind-of-caller-id-spoofing-neighbor-spoofing

cutz

The Juggler said:

^^
https://www.bbb.org/en/us/article/news-releases/16670-a-new-kind-of-caller-id-spoofing-neighbor-spoofing

Well, i told you MY experience in my earlier post(I've done the NO answering of the phone and it did not matter as they STILL call). I wish i was lying, but i'm not.

The Juggler

cutz said:

The Juggler said:

^^
https://www.bbb.org/en/us/article/news-releases/16670-a-new-kind-of-caller-id-spoofing-neighbor-spoofing

Well, i told you MY experience in my earlier post(I've done the NO answering of the phone and it did not matter as they STILL call). I wish i was lying, but i'm not.

Haha...I’m not saying you’re lying. I’m saying answering isn’t helping, it’s making it worse because now they know it’s a live phone line. So you’re number becomes more valuable to other scammers hoping to eventually sucker you into something. 

cutz

^^^^^I can't explain it any better as i've told you that they still call when i do not answer.^^^^>Ther just TOO many scammers doing it.

The Juggler

cutz said:

^^^^^I can't explain it any better as i've told you that they still call when i do not answer.^^^^>Ther just TOO many scammers doing it.

I’m not saying it will stop if you don’t answer. I’m simply saying answering makes it worse because you’re basically telling them they have a better shot at scamming your phone number than one that doesn’t answer any of their calls. 

cutz

The Juggler said:

cutz said:

^^^^^I can't explain it any better as i've told you that they still call when i do not answer.^^^^>Ther just TOO many scammers doing it.

I’m not saying it will stop if you don’t answer. I’m simply saying answering makes it worse because you’re basically telling them they have a better shot at scamming your phone number than one that doesn’t answer any of their calls. 

HAHAHA>Thanks for playing, Jug.