Suspicious Calls Prompt Warning
Prince George, B.C.- RCMP in Prince George are warning of another rash of suspicious calls that seem to be aimed at gathering personal information.
Recently the Detachment has received information that members of the community have been receiving phone calls from a local number where an unknown person seems to be attempting to gain personal information.
The caller may start the conversation with "who is this?", even though he made the call. When the victim responds, the caller may ask a series of other questions to determine your last name, where you live and other personal information. Often the questions are so confusing the victim provides answers to try to help the caller understand. Next thing you know, you have provided the caller with personal information.
Police would like to remind the public that providing personal information to unknown persons will increase your chances of being a victim of fraud. For fraud prevention information, go to www.antifraudcentre.ca.
The investigation is continuing.
Comments
one of my biggest pet peeves, DO NOT call me and ask “who is this” i will hang up on you guaranteed lol
Just answer “who is this” doesn’t live here.
Had a call last night asking me about my PetroCan Citibank card, (that I don’t have).
We have been called at least 10 times by the “Microsoft repair people” scam saying that there is a problem with our computer. We run a Mac.
balboa, the best thing to do to them is recognize their number, then answer “Hello Microsoft Repair, how can I assist you?” when they call next. That’ll end it.
I strung the computer repair guy along for almost an hour one night while drinking Crown Royal. It was awesome!
That’s great Dragonmaster! Love that you messed with them and blew an hour of their time. Too funny!
I can’t believe that anyone would give the above information out when someone calls them and asks it. Maybe I am a little too paranoid but it sure helps in these circumstances.
Posted by: Stella Bella on February 5 2014 4:53 PM
one of my biggest pet peeves, DO NOT call me and ask “who is this” i will hang up on you guaranteed lol
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I always respond with, “Who are you looking for?”
The Microsoft Repair people are fun. Sometimes I play really dumb, and ask them questions till they get frustrated and hang up. Sometimes I make a big show of taking down the phone number and asking someone to get my cell phone so I can call the RCMP while I’ve got them on the line.
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for people to be taken unawares sometimes, even if they’re generally smart, savvy people. Surveys are the worst. You can be taken in by answering what seems to be a legitimate survey, and then provide information at the end that you wouldn’t otherwise give out. It always pays to be skeptical.
Does this include the policeman who pulls you over and doesn’t know your name? Probably not. There! I answered my own question!
i was just scammed by a fella that wants my personal banking info because I had just won a million dollars in a random draw of certain cell phone numbers and mine was accidentally drawn. I got all of his info. His name is Mike Adams and his email is selenhendrik@gmail.com. he vtold me to reply to gaming agent@luckymail.com e said my cell number has won me a million dollars and that if I contact Mike Adams with ref number FL766P that I could give all my info and send some money to collect this Free Lotto money winning. Turns out he is out of the UK. I contacted the RCMP and they don’t give a damn! The lady answering the phone said not to waste their time. I did not give him any info. Kept the messages on my phone in case anyone doesn’t believe me. Or the RCMP decided to care.
balboa wrote: “We have been called at least 10 times by the “Microsoft repair people” scam saying that there is a problem with our computer. We run a Mac.”
I can see the problem with your computer right there!! You have a Mac when you should have a PC ….. ;-)
“who is this?”
“me”
“who is me?”
“you”
I pissed of a scammer so much, he hung up right after saying f**k you to me.
I’ve strung the Microsoft repair scammers along too. It’s fun.
Another one I like to do is say, “Wait a minute please”… then put the phone down and walk away.
I love the ones that call and say you have been selected for a cash prize for being a loyal customer and then say all they need is your credit card information to confirm who you are.
i called the Canadian fraud hotline thing and reported those Microsoft scammers they told me they already knew about them they are calling from the lower mainland and there is nothing anyone is going to do about it? why are we told to report fraud and scams if nothing is ever done?
Another reason i got rid of my land line, have had a few calls on my cell that i didnt recognize the number so i dont answer and they do not leave a voice mail so its either a wrong number or a scammer, has anyone gotten these types of calls on their cells?
bornandbred, “I can’t believe that anyone would give the above information out when someone calls them and asks it.”
I thought the same thing a while back, but, watching my mother age,(she’s now 80) I see first hand how intelligent folks with common sense become more gullible and trusting, thus become easier targets for these scammers. Many target the elderly precisely for this reason.
Social Engineering?
dial *57 immediately after hanging up the phone.
Then call the rcmp and report the event, including actions taken, including the call trace done.
It ain’t much, but it helps one feel better.
This does not work on all calls, as phone numbers can and are spoofed.
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