Community Chat

[LTT1]

Yep, they got me! But at least, they didn't get my $$$, as far as I can tell.

Here is a photo of the website that explains briefly what happened to me. 
This scam's series of bad actors method is happening more often apparently.

I got a call from (supposedly) Walmart. The person said "Did you order a play station 5 and headset in the amount of $1500

me, "no I did not".

WM impersonator  ok I’m going to cancel this order your name is under investigation.

AND I need to send you over to the SSA.

Then next, this person [impersonator] 

Ted  PLANZOS

FED 5563599

So a man, speaking broken English, comes on the line asking questions and letting me know that my name is now connected to a bag of cash found in the amount of $94,000 and I’m being considered for money laundering, trafficking, etc‼️ 

I denied knowing anything about this and kind of laughed $94,000 LOL 

"no" I said, "I’m just  little old lady living in my apartment and minding my own business‼️"

"Do you understand that anything purchased with this money will be seized by the government?" 

yes ok ❓❓❓

I will call back if we need more information from a (202) number.

Ending take-aways

why does this federal official not speak clear English?
why do I not have anything in writing about this?
why did a (supposed) Walmart employee initiate this conversation?

[haddon9]

I just never answer the phone if I get a call from someone that I don't know.  If it's important they can leave a message.  Plus I have a feature in my iPhone called "block unknown callers" that I use but a caller can still leave a text or voicemail.

However for entertainment puposes then I can see staying on the line.  I'm glad they did't get anything from you.

[Cakers3]

@LTT1

Never ever respond. They take advantage of catching people off guard and they now can obtain a voice print. The voice print can be used without a person even knowing.

They move on from the initial call but that does not necessarily mean they are done.

Be very careful.

I'm glad your $$is safe but do be careful.

[Cakers3]

@haddon9

I do the same. Every contact has its own particular ringtone, too. This way I know who is calling.

I also do the same - no voicemail, I block and report spam.

Never ever answer an unknown caller. These scammers are very sophisticated today.

[LTT1]

@haddon9 

@Cakers3 

They got NOTHING from me in that phone call!

However, my first mistake was returning that call. I listened to the message and pressed the "return that call" option.  It wasn't wise of me because like you said, I didn't know who I was calling back and it certainly wasn't Walmart!

[Estellee]

@LTT1 That's scary but becoming so common. If these perpetrators would use their skills for something useful then that would be great.

[Carmie]

I got a similar e-mail from " Walmart" just this past week saying I bought a couple of Play Stations and if I didn't place this order to call a number to cancel the order.

I deleted it.  I wish I didn't so that I could post the email for others to see.

These crooks are on a Walmart bender.

Last year I did have my debit card number used at a couple of Walmarts in three different states on the same day. None of the transactions went through, though.

 There were insufficient funds in my account. I only keep a small amount in checking and transfer from saving account if I need to replenish.  I have the auto transfer turned off so that if there is not enough to cover the transaction, it will deny.

It's getting close to the holidays, so these scammers will be out in full force.  Watch your money.

[Sweet Kitties]

Thank you for the warning! It's important that we help each other out & report scams so it doesn't happen to someone else.

[deeva]

You should never respond yes to anything during these calls. Sometimes all they want is a recording of your voice saying yes. They use this recording later to make it seem like you agreed to a purchase. 

Better option, don't answer calls from unknown numbers.

[Meowingkitty]

My rule of thumb is if I don't know you or I didn't contact you, don't bother trying to get anything from me. I don't answer the door or phone unless I know you or are expecting you.