Some things are just too good not to share. One of our readers, Debby, told us how she deals with annoying phone scammers:
“The “Windows Computer Technical Support Corporation” or whatever they call themselves like to tell me that my computer is spreading harmful viruses that only they can stop. I don’t fall for it for a second. I usually put them on with my “Technical Assistant” (very old and very chatty housecat).”
Debby, I’m thrilled to know that I’m not the only one who assigns her cats job descriptions. I also really like that method.
You might also enjoy this link to a video that Troy hunt, a Microsoft Regional Director, made when scammers called his house pretending to be Microsoft. It’s a long video and these crooks seem completely incompetent. Check out how obnoxious this guy gets when he gets caughts. Click here to check it out.
Anyone else have any good tips for dealing with scammers? Let us know in the comments.
~ Cynthia
when i receive call from (usually foreigners) re: windows problem, i agree that my computer windows was broken and my solution was to replace windows with sliding door and i no longer have problems.
this usually goes over their head and have me speak to supervisor.
Over the past week I have been inundated with scam type calls. They are definitely increasing. How about some suggestions on how to stop them? The FCC seems powerless and very inefficient. The don’t call list is unable to stop them apparently as well.
I have used this method several times when I or friends have received a call or one of those pesky computer popups. I talk like a worried old lady and start on my windows issues, only I am talking about windows on the house. I tell them my windows, all 23 of them, need help. Stuff keeps getting on them, I’ve tried cleaning them but the stuff keeps coming back, I often can’t close them because something isn’t right, and so on. After I’ve messed with them for 10-15 minutes I finally tell them that they’re not dealing with a moron and then I give them my hints on how I would pull their scams as their idiotic pitch isn’t working on me.
I use nomorobo.com works great for all unwanted calls
I tell the telemarketers she was just murdered, and
all calls are being monitored for possible leads.
Love it!!!
If they ask for me by name I tell them I’ll get that person to the phone, call out the name and then just put the phone down till they get tired of holding on.
If they start their prepared speech I’ll tell them my doorbell is ringing and to hold on a moment. I then do the same, put the phone down and make them wait endlessly.
I also have a phone system that can block up to 250 calls and that works perfectly because I’m able to set it so that the phone not onlyu blocks the call, but doesn’t even ring.
If they call and want to clean my chimney I tell them to come and if they can find it they can clean it as I have electric heat.
I look at it as a fun time for me to let them know they’re idiots and to get a real job.
Having both caller ID and also having once worked in radio, I answer all calls whose ID I don’t recognize with a loud obnoxious voice, “You’ve reached the K R A P request hotline, please state clearly the song you’d like to hear.” I’ve found that this not only results in an immediate hangup, but also rarely results in another callback!”
The scammers typically have a sub-asian accent. “Are you in Pakistan?” “You sound like a Taliban terrorist.” “Are you ISIS?” “I’m calling the FBI and CIA and report you as a terrorist.”
I found a uneak way to stop them from calling a second time. When I answer the phone and after saying hello. I suddenly go into this little gag: Oh God I’m just so happy you called I’ve just been sitting here so lonely and you’re the first person that has called in several days, and it just so nice hearing another voice. I really am so glad I have someone to talk to now that I just need to tell my troubles to, (Sniff sniff) My back is just killing me it hurts so bad and I can barely pea although I get a great feeling of urgency and try to go. I just can’t get a nights sleep anymore because I have a post nasal drip that keeps me up practically all night long, and my ears are just cionstantly ringing and buzzing. Just rattle on abput any thing you can think of to complain about health wise. They pretty soon get the hing and say goodby or else just hang up and mark my number out of their numbers. It’s definitely a way to put a smile on your own face.
I got sick and tired of them so I figured the guy sounded like he was from another country so I asked him if he liked girls and if he liked older women, would he like to take a quickie and he sounded hot, and he was so flustered he kept saying he would put his manager on and I asked was he a hottie also? I just kept talking and he hung up on me. So when the next one called I did the same to them. I got all the time in the world to mess with them, I am disabled so I can have a little fun too!!! LOL!!