Community Chat

[september]

I got the "grandma" call a few weeks ago, and I let that caller have it! He tried to stop my tirade a few times, by saying that he must have misdialed, but I didn't stop....kept saying what I thought of people like him, and it wasn't complimentary.

[croemer]

On 12/18/2014 september said: I got the "grandma" call a few weeks ago, and I let that caller have it! He tried to stop my tirade a few times, by saying that he must have misdialed, but I didn't stop....kept saying what I thought of people like him, and it wasn't complimentary.

haha...good for you!

[Kachina624]

There has been so much publicity about these calls, I'm surprised anyone would even mention them.

[sfnative]

I wonder if anyone has reported this...

[qvcaddition]

I got the computer one, hung up.

[Financialgrl]

On 12/19/2014 sfnative said:

I wonder if anyone has reported this...

Scam has been around - have received it the past two years. I let the answering machine pick up and first clue is that they are so heavily accented you can't understand them - if the IRS wanted your info/money, why would they use people that can't speak English or you can't understand? IRS doesn't call people - you'd get a CP Notice in the mail allowing you a chance to appeal. Scammers don't use mail cuz0using the federal mails for fraud if a federal offense.

This time of the year our local news run a story on the present scams out there - - IRS, grandkids needing money cuz they are in trouble/jail, computer links that supposedly "fix" your issues, etc. In a day and age where everyone has a smartphone all you have to do is pump the phone number into your google bar and all kinds of stuff comes up about it being a scam.

Better yet go right to the source - - googling IRS.gov shows the same warnings about these guys.

[Financialgrl]

Regarding my post above - many times I am out, I get a call on my cell from a number I don't know and I don't answer. As soon as it stops ringing, I check to see if there is a voice message and if not, I google. Just entering the number into the google bar all kinds of sites come up where people have answered and what the calls are. More times than not, they are fundraising places that are calling on behalf of a charity or a scam, and I don't return either.

Guess I'm wondering - do people answer all calls at home or cell without checking to see who it is?? Growing up before the days of caller ID, parents always said if it's important they'll call back or leave a message since answering machines have been around much longer.

[lovescats]

I used to answer these calls and just put the phone down and let them talk but now I just let these unknown calls and numbers ring and I find I get less calls and if it is an important call they will leave a message. But most of the times these scams won't leave a message on your voicemail. It's going to be time for all the election surveys to start up.

[Suziepeach]

I still answer the calls and have my way with them. I love telling them they've called the Sheriff's office, phone goes quiet fast and they don't call back....

[dooBdoo]

On 12/19/2014 Financialgrl said:

On 12/19/2014 sfnative said:

I wonder if anyone has reported this...

Scam has been around - have received it the past two years. I let the answering machine pick up and first clue is that they are so heavily accented you can't understand them - if the IRS wanted your info/money, why would they use people that can't speak English or you can't understand? IRS doesn't call people - you'd get a CP Notice in the mail allowing you a chance to appeal. Scammers don't use mail cuz0using the federal mails for fraud if a federal offense.

This time of the year our local news run a story on the present scams out there - - IRS, grandkids needing money cuz they are in trouble/jail, computer links that supposedly "fix" your issues, etc. In a day and age where everyone has a smartphone all you have to do is pump the phone number into your google bar and all kinds of stuff comes up about it being a scam.

Better yet go right to the source - - googling IRS.gov shows the same warnings about these guys.

Correct, Financialgrl. The IRS scam has been in the news and all over the internet for years, and the fake calls for "computer support" have been publicized repeatedly too.

I agree with your post about doing an internet search when strange calls show up. It's quick and easy, and the articles and reports are interesting and informative.

At this point, I would think most people know to be skeptical about any unsolicited phone calls (or email messages). However, it's clear some unsuspecting people still fall prey to the criminals since the hoaxes continue.