I just got another call from the 516 area code...

[MrScorpio]

Last edited Mon Mar 21, 2016, 04:44 PM - Edit history (1)

Some concerned fellow, in a very thick eastern Indian accent, informed me that he was calling from the "Windows Technical Department" about my computer.

When I informed him that I didn't have a computer (which is fucking hilarious, because there are FIVE net connected devices in my house), he went "Um, sorry," and hung up.

I love those guys... I found the perfect rejection.

[gratuitous]

1. Another effective method

I ask, "What is your full name?" After about the fifth or sixth time, the caller usually just rings off. If I get some variation on "Thomas Jones," I'll ask the name of the business they're calling from, and where it is incorporated. One dimwit told me he was calling out of Walla Walla, Washington. I have a bookmark to the Washington State Corporation Division for work. I told him his company wasn't incorporated in Washington, and what was the REAL name of his outfit? After I've established that the caller isn't really Thomas Jones and he isn't really calling from where he says he's calling from, I then ask to speak to his manager. Invariably, the manager isn't there right now, so I ask for that person's full name.

I don't usually have to go beyond that, but I have other nosy questions just in case.

[redwitch]

2. I know that guy!

He calls here every few weeks!

1 degree of separation from Mr Scorpio I am!

[LiberalElite]

3. 516 is Long Island, NY.

I bet he's many thousands of miles from there.....

[KamaAina]

7. Nassau County, to be precise.

Suffolk switched to 650 a while ago.

[tk2kewl]

8. 631

[KamaAina]

9. D'oh!

650 is the Peninsula between SF and San Jose.

[greymouse]

4. It does always seem to be Indians who do the Microsoft scam

why is that? Is it actually run out of India instead of East Uzbekistan? If it's India, can't our feds get to them? We have some sort of decent relationship with the Indian government, I assume.

[UTUSN]

5. Two of my close folks have fallen for similar scam

The 'puter goes wild haywire - *loud* noise, somebody screaming, siren, with flashing lights and message "do NOT turn off/unplug" - "call this MICROSOFT number"

My old relative fell for it, called the number, gave out her credit card number, the works.

The two are in my anti-virus network so I guess I'm next!1

[Wolf Frankula]

6. They are fakes. It is a scam and the numbers are always spoofed.

I get rid of them by answering "Papa Slurpy's Pizza for Dogs. Woofwoof ruff ruff." They think they've reached a business and hang up.

Wolf

[struggle4progress]

10. I had a friend who always treated such calls as a friendly and mis-informative chatterbox:

Hey! How about the weather this year, huh? It's raining here! What's the weather like where you are? Crazy there, too? I heard they're having volcanoes in Moscow this week

Gosh! I can't get near the computer right now. My grandson Joe is using it. You got any grandkids? What are their names? Do they ever tie up your computer? Hey! Would you like to talk to Joe? Lemme go get him for you ... <long pause> ... Kids! He doesn't want to come to the phone right now. Mebbe you'd like to talk to his Mom. She has a bit of that dementia thing going but she's sweet. Always makes you feel like a million bucks no matter what you say. She's from the Midwest. You got any daughters-in-law?

&c &c

[Ilsa]

11. I tell him I can't talk, then start moaning

and asking him if he knows of a good ready for menstrual cramps. Works splendidly.

I get a call or two everyday leading with, "Hi. I'm Michelle from card services. There isn't a problem with your account right now, ..." I keep trying to talk to them. I start off answering some general, innocuous questions, then they hang up on me. I guess people get paid to call and hang up on me.