Friday, January 30, 2009

Jan 30: "If you place one of our signs" home security scam

Man's voice: "Hello. If you place one of our signs in your front yard, we will place this home security system in your home for free. And if you act now, we'll include two keychain remotes, a ninety-nine dollar value with your system. As I said, there's no cost for this equipment or the installation whatsoever. There is no obligation whatsoever. So if you'd like to hear more about the system, press number one. If you want to be placed on our do not call list, press number three."

Jan 30: "Trusted Home Solutions" scam

Woman's voice: "Hello. This is trusted home solutions. We represent a team of attorneys who help homeowners being gouged by their lenders, or who may be victims of predatory lending. Our records indicate we'll be able to help your family drastically reduce your interest rate and monthly mortgage payment. If you're currently struggling with your mortgage, behind in payments, in an adjustable rate mortgage, in foreclosure, or just need to reduce your expenses to stay in your home, press one to speak to a representative. You may also press two to be removed from our system."

What happened to the 1-800-493-1826 that was in the very similar recording that called a few days ago? I guess it got disconnected because they pissed off too many people by calling indiscriminately.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The National Do Not Call Registry

My phone number is now on the list. I doubt that there will be much of a difference after 31 days, since I'm convinced the majority of the calls are scams. This will probably stop the 1-800-COMCAST calls though.

The "Filing a Do Not Call Complaint" part of the registry looks useless, since you need the name or phone number of the caller, and the recorded messages that call me almost never provide that information, and if I do talk to a live person, those dicks pretty much always hang up when I ask who they are.

Jan 29: 1-800-COMCAST telemarketer

There was a long pause, then the telemarketer said, "Hello." Then, "Hello... hello..." Then, after another pause, she said something about 1-800-COMCAST. I think it's time for my phone number to go on the national do-not-call list.

Jan 29: Recording of "this is the second notice" vehicle warranty scam from "automotive warranty solutions"

Woman's voice: "This is the second notice that the factory warranty on your vehicle may have expired, and should be reactivated to protect you against the cost of repairs. If you have not responded to this notification, it's not too late. Please don't make the mistake of driving without a warranty. You are still eligible to reactivate warranty coverage. This is the final call before we close the file. Press two to be removed from the follow-up list. Or press one to speak with a representative now about your vehicle."

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Jan 27: "Announcement about your credit card account" interest rate reduction scam

Woman's voice: "...cement about your credit card account. It is urgent that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rates now. You may be eligible to receive reduced rates on all of your credit cards if you qualify. Our rate reduction plan is backed with a written guarantee. Your eligibility will expire today. Please act now. Consider this your final notice." "PRESS ONE NOW."

Jan 27: Recording of "this is the second notice" vehicle warranty scam from "automotive warranty solutions"

Woman's voice: "This is the second notice that the factory warranty on your vehicle may have expired, and should be reactivated to protect you against the cost of repairs. If you have not responded to this notification, it's not too late. Please don't make the mistake of driving without a warranty. You are still eligible to reactivate warranty coverage. This is the final call before we close the file. Press two to be removed from the follow-up list. Or press one to speak with a representative now about your vehicle."

Jan 27: Recording of "Janet" in the "mortgage note department" scam

Woman's voice: "Hi, this is Janet in the mortgage note department. The federal government has asked lenders to work with their clients to help them save their homes and reduce their interest rates to a new low fixed rate. Press one now to speak with a specialist about this exciting news. Or press the nine key to be removed from our list. We're here to assist you with your mortgage payment modification. This is not a new loan, but a negotiation of your existing loan terms. Press one now to learn more. Or press the nine key to be removed. With a simple modification, you can get a lower payment, but keep your existing loan company. Especially if your loan has recently recasted to a higher interest rate, you may be eligible for this highly desired program. Press one now to speak with an associate. Or press the nine key for removal from our database. This is fast and easy, so press one to begin your modification. Please. Press one now. Or press nine to be removed. Press one to see about this simple change to your existing mortgage note. Press one now."

Jan 27: Recording of "announcement" scam about the government's "economic stimulus home loan program"

Woman's voice: "This announcement concerns your eligibility for the government's new economic stimulus home loan program. This stimulus package will help homeowners save hundreds, and possibly thousands of dollars each month by lowering their present interest rate and help those homeowners that need to get out of an adjustable and into a thirty year fixed. Please note this is a temporary program. And there's only a limited amount of funding. So press one to find out if you're eligible. With the the new guidelines, you may be eligible to refinance your existing home loan and save money no matter what your credit score. Press one now to find out if you are eligible. Press three if you wish to be removed from our marketing list."

Monday, January 26, 2009

Jan 26: "Trusted Home Solutions" scam

Woman's voice: "Hello. This is trusted home solutions at 1-800-593-1826. We represent a team of attorneys who help homeowners being gouged by their lenders, or who may be victims of predatory lending. Our records indicate. We'll be able to help your family drastically reduce your interest rate and monthly mortgage payment. If you're currently struggling with your mortgage, behind in payments, in an adjustable rate mortgage, in foreclosure, or just need to reduce your expenses to stay in your home. Call trusted home solutions at 1-800-593-1826. We'll help you and your family. Don't be one of America's four million victims of foreclosure. Don't miss this limited opportunity as the federal government stimulus package will last only a short time. Call trusted home solutions at 1-800-493-1826."

Jan 26: "Dear homeowner" loan modification scam

Woman's voice: "Dear homeowner. Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac have set up guidelines for lenders to help homeowners reduce their mortgage payments. If you don't qualify for a refinance, you may still qualify for this loan modification program. Please press one to see if you are eligible. Or press two to be taken off the list."

Jan 26: Recording of some home loan scam from "credit services"

It was some woman's voice about some home loan scam. I got out my lie to telemarketers cheat sheet, which only had credit card scam and car warranty scam relevant information and pressed one. After a lengthy pause, a man said, "Credit Services" and some other stuff. I said that I have credit card debt, but no home loan, and then he hung up on me.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Jan 23: "We've been trying to reach you" government insurance refund processor scam

Woman's voice: "We've been trying to reach you. Regarding an immediate opportunity to work as a government insurance refund processor. Starting at up to thirty-eight thousand nine hundred and forty-three dollars per year. Work from home. Flexible hours. No weekends. Processing government insurance refunds to homeowners. Duties include receiving, screening, and processing FHA refund notices. No experience is necessary for this opportunity. Start immediately. For more information, simply press the number one on your telephone keypad now. Press one now."

Jan 23: "Have you been struggling to keep up" credit scam

Woman's voice: "Have you been struggling to keep up or even falling behind on your credit card or house payments? For immediate help, press one. We have many qualified agents waiting to assist you. To opt out of the list, press two."

Jan 23: Recording of "attention all homeowners" scam

Man's voice: "Attention all homeowners. If you are currently delinquent or are struggling to make your mortgage payment? You may be eligible for government assisted programs to change your current loan terms without having to refinance. You may press zero at any time during this message to be transferred a live agent. This is not a loan. If you are a victim of predatory lending and you are experiencing a hardship with your mortgage? Such as being upside-down? Or behind on your mortgage? Or are you in a variable rate mortgage? That may be adjusting. You have many options. Press zero now to be transferred to a live agent for more information. Not interested? That's okay. Press nine for the do not call list. But press zero now to be transferred to a live agent. Thank you. Attention all homeowners. If you are currently delinquent or are struggling to make your mortgage payment? You may be eligible for government assisted programs to change your current loan terms without having to refinance. You may press zero at any time during this message to be transferred a live agent. This is not a loan. If you are a victim of predatory lending and you are experiencing a hardship with your mortgage? Such as being upside-down? Or behind on your mortgage? Or are you in a variable rate mortgage? That may be adjusting. You have many options. Press zero now to be transferred to a live agent for more information. Not interested? That's okay. Press nine for the do not call list. But press zero now to be transferred to a live agent. Thank you."

Jan 23: Recording of "Sarah" at "cardholder services"

Woman's voice: "Hi. This is Sarah at cardholder services. Calling in reference to your current credit card account. There are no problems currently with your account. However, it is urgent that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rates. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Press one now to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Or press two if you would like to be removed from future notices."

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Jan 22: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

Woman's voice: "This is an important message regarding your current credit card account. We have made several attempts to reach you. This is your final courtesy call before we are unable to lower your credit card interest rate. Press one to speak to our member services department. Or press two and your eligibility to lower your rates will expire."

These fuckers called twice in one day. Clearly, this is harassment.

Jan 21: Recording of "John Evans" from "debt America" scam

Man's voice: "Hello. This is John Evans calling from Debt America. And this is my final attempt to reach you about assisting you in eliminating your credit card debt. Through our approved bailout program that just went into effect. Please call me back at 1-800-461-7054 so we can discuss how this program can assist you through these tough economic times, as this program will expire. Call me at 1-800-461-7054. Thanks."

The "final attempt" is clearly a lie, since this recording has previously called.

Jan 22: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

Woman's voice: "This is an important message regarding your current credit card account. We have made several attempts to reach you. This is your final courtesy call before we are unable to lower your credit card interest rate. Press one to speak to our member services department. Or press two and your eligibility to lower your rates will expire."

More "final" lies.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Jan 21: Recording of "Rachel" at "cardholder services" scam

"Hello. This is Rachel at cardholder services? Calling in reference to your current credit card account? There are no problems currently with your account. It is urgent that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. Your eligibility expires shortly, so please consider this your final notice. Please press the number one on your phone now to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press the number three to discontinue further notices. Thank you. Have a great day."

Yet another "final notice" lie.

Jan 20: Recording of "this is your captain speaking" scam

Man's voice: "Hello. This is your captain speaking. You will receive two free boarding passes for an all-inclusive cruise to Nassau, Bahamas in exchange for your answers to ten questions. This is a public opinion poll. The process is automated. Just press the keys on your telephone keypad for your answers. You will receive two free boarding passes for an all-inclusive cruise to Nassau, Bahamas when you're finished. This process only takes a minute. Press one to start the automated survey and receive two complimentary cruise passes."

"Don't miss the boat. Press one now."

I pressed random numbers in response to the questions, and it said my number was removed from their system. On Aug 8, 2008, I did the same thing, and also got a message saying my number was removed from their system, and this is the second time I've gotten this call at this number since them. They are such liars.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Jan 20: "David" with "new American homeowner relief program" scam actually scamming those "taken advantage of by predatory lending practices"

Man's voice: "Hi. My name is David and I'm actually calling to help homeowners who were taken advantage of by predatory lending practices. Did you know that there was a new senate bill, eleven thirty-seven, that was passed to give you assistance? Are you somebody that was put into an adjustable rate mortgage within the last six years? Or is your house now currently depreciated and now your loan is actually more than what your house is worth? Are you somebody that's facing a notice of default, or even a foreclosure, and you're behind your payments? Please. Press. One. Now. There is immediate assistance. We can help you and qualify you for one of the new American homeowner relief programs. Even if your bank has told you that it they(sic) can not help you. There is. Help. Now. Please. Press one. There's(sic) representatives waiting to qualify you for the new American home owner relief program. Press. One. Now. Press. Three to be taken off of our call list. We are looking forward to helping you get into a new situation. Let's change your future and give you a situation that makes sense to the banks and for you."

Jan 20: "Announcement" of the "government's economic stimulus modification program" mortgage modification scam

Man's voice: "This announcement concerns your eligibility for the government's economic stimulus modification program, urging lenders to modify mortgage terms on loans taken out after the year two thousand five. This program is designed for homeowners who are late on mortgage payments, have started the foreclosure process, or have had recent financial hardship. Press one now to find out if you are eligible. This program may drastically reduce your interest rate without having to refinance. Please press one now to speak to one of our agents. Press three to be removed from our marketing list."

Jan 20: Recording of "this is an important message" automotive warranty scam and lies

Woman's voice: "This is an important message regarding your automotive warranty. We have made several attempts to reach you. This is your final courtesy call before your vehicle is reclassified. Press one to speak to a warranty specialist. Or press two and your file will automatically be closed."

Jan 20: Recording of "Janet" in the "mortgage note department" scam

Woman's voice: "Hi, this is Janet in the mortgage note department. The federal government has asked lenders to work with their clients to help them save their homes and reduce their interest rates to a new low fixed rate. Press one now to speak with a specialist about this exciting news. Or press the nine key to be removed from our list. We're here to assist you with your mortgage payment modification. This is not a new loan, but a negotiation of your existing loan terms. Press one now to learn more. Or press the nine key to be removed. With a simple modification, you can get a lower payment, but keep your existing loan company. Especially if your loan has recently recasted to a higher interest rate, you may be eligible for this highly desired program. Press one now to speak with an associate. Or press the nine key for removal from our database. This is fast and easy, so press one to begin your modification. Please. Press one now. Or press nine to be removed. Press one to see about this simple change to your existing mortgage note. Press one now."

Jan 20: Recording of yet another cardholder services scam

It was a new woman's voice with some new fake name that I forgot. The wording was pretty much the same as the old scam. I got my cheat sheet with a fake name and fake credit card data out and pressed one, and it said, "Mailbox is full and cannot accept new messages."

Monday, January 19, 2009

Jan 19: Live 1-800-COMCAST telemarketer

Yet another one of these. Starts with "Hello. Hello? Hello?" Then, after a pause, she finally identifies the call as being from Comcast.

Jan 19: Recording of "Michael" calling in regards to Dish, the satellite TV company scam

Man's voice: "Hi. This is Michael. Calling in regards to Dish, the satellite TV company. Over the next few weeks, we're in your area installing a number of systems. And have a promotion that will get families a new satellite TV system totally free. That's right. Free installation. Free equipment for up to four rooms. And a free DVR. And if you don't know what that is, press one and our reps will tell you about it. Basically, if you still have a cable provider for your television, we want your business, and we're going to great lengths to get it. Today, we'll even give you a hundred bucks back. So with no obligation, press one and be connected to a customer service representative. It doesn't hurt to at least talk to us and learn more. I'm confident that we can save you money and improve the way you watch TV. Give us a chance. Press one now. Press one and be connected to a customer service representative. Press one now."

Jan 19: Recording of "public service message" from "the medical benefits association" scam

Woman's voice: "This is a public service message from the medical benefits association. We have found a complete health care program for as low as three dollars per day. To receive this important information for you and your family, please press one now. This complete health care program includes doctor visits, hospitalization benefits, and prescription health benefits. Also. Applicants who enroll today receive free dental benefits, free vision benefits, and free hearing benefits. So press one now. Or if you'd like to be removed from our database, press two. Thank you."

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Jan 17: "This may be the perfect time" mortgage refinance scam

Woman's voice: "Hi there. This may be the perfect time for you to refinance your mortgage. Take advantage of these forty-year low historic rates while they're still available. If you have an adjustable rate loan, or an interest rate on your mortgage that is higher than six percent, you can request a mortgage quote from us at no cost or obligation. If you would like to speak to one of our live loan specialists, please press one on your phone now. If you would like to be taken off this special list, press two.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Jan 16: Recording of "factory warranty scam on your vehicle may have expired" scam with "third and final notice" lies and harassment

Woman's voice: "... automobile. This is your third and final notice that the factory warranty on your vehicle may have expired. You are still eligible to reactivate warranty coverage. This is the final call before we close the file. Press one now to speak with an agent. Or press three and your file will automatically be closed."

Jan 16: Recording of "loan modification department calling about your present mortgage" scam

Woman's voice: "...odification department calling about your present mortgage and the possibility of foreclosure. According to our records, you qualify for loan modification and restructuring to improve your financial position. In order to speak directly to a counselor, press one. Or press three to be removed from our list."

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Jan 15: Recording of "this call is regarding your mortgage payment and foreclosure" scam

Man's voice: "This call is regarding your mortgage payment and foreclosure. Our loss mitigation department is here to help by restructure(sic) your loan and lowering the payment up to fifty percent without having to refinance. You must act now. Please push one to speak with a specialist. Please push one now."

I pressed one, and after a minute of clicks and other noises, it hung up on me. Maybe the robot didn't think I sounded enough like a gullible senior citizen to connect me to a live scammer, who would have decided that I didn't sound enough like a gullible senior citizen and would have hung up on me anyhow.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Jan 14: Recording of "Don't hang up" Caribbean cruise scam

Woman's voice: "Don't hang up. You've been selected to one of free luxurious, all-inclusive cruise to the Caribbean. For you and up to three guests. Don't hit down on this free vacation. To receive this free cruise, press nine now. Or press eight to forfeit this promotion and be removed from the list. Again, press nine now."

It doesn't even make sense. "You've been selected to one of free luxurious..."? "Don't hit down on this..."?

Monday, January 12, 2009

Jan 12: Recording of "Lisa" with "Dish Network" scam

Woman's voice: "Hi. This is Lisa with Dish Network. And we have you scheduled today to receive your new satellite entertainment TV system. Our records indicate that you should be receiving this system along with DVR in several rooms of your home. Your installation and equipment are already paid for. And it looks like you have one hundred dollars cash back coming to you. Plus. For pressing one now, you will receive a free Disney planning resort vacation to Orlando, Florida. Remember. Everything has already been paid for. So press one now."

Jan 12: Recording of "the federal government has awarded seven hundred billion dollars for mortgage bail out" scam

Man's voice: "The federal government has awarded seven hundred billion dollars for mortgage bail out. To see if you qualify for your home loan to be modified, press one. We are currently targeting homeowners in your county for mortgage payment reduction. Press one to speak with an authorized agent now. Press two to be excluded from this offer."

Friday, January 09, 2009

Jan 9: Recording of "public service message" from "the medical benefits association" scam

Woman's voice: "This is a public service message from the medical benefits association. We have found a complete health care program for as low as three dollars per day. To receive this important information for you and your family, please press one now. This complete health care program includes doctor visits, hospitalization benefits, and prescription health benefits. Also. Applicants who enroll today receive free dental benefits, free vision benefits, and free hearing benefits. So press one now. Or if you'd like to be removed from our database, press two. Thank you."

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Jan 9: Recording "hello and congratulations" free digital equipment scam

Woman's voice: "Hello and congratulations. Your house has been selected to receive free digital equipment. The government is requiring every household in America to have digital equipment before two thousand nine. You will receive free digital equipment, free installation for up to four rooms. Also, free DVR service. Plus HBO and Stars, free for three months. Now this is a limited time offer, so press one now to hear more. Press three to be taken off the list."

The recording was quite garbled.

Jan 8: Live Comcast telemarketer

Another 1-800-COMCAST telemarketer.

Jan 8: Recording of "34.99 to clean your carpet" scam

Woman's voice: "Thirty-four ninety-nine to clean your carpet sound good? Press one now to make an appointment. Or press two to be removed from the list."

Monday, January 05, 2009

Jan 5: Recording of debt counseling scam

Woman's voice: "... approved by our debt counselors to cut your debt and monthly payments in half. We have prenegotiated terms with major creditors allowing you to take advantage of this saving. All creditors are mandated to work with consumers to eliminate the majority of the U.S. economic debt. Press one now to see if you qualify for this limited time offer. Press two to speak with an account manager to be removed from our calling list."