Friday, February 27, 2009

Feb 27: "Press one now" loan modification scam

Man's voice: "...and you are behind on your payment, or you have an adjustable rate, press one now. Press one now if you'd like to modify your payment with no refinancing, no appraisal, and no credit check. Press one now. This is available to you even if the value of your home has dropped below your loan balance. Press. One. Now."

Feb 27: Recording of "Heather" at "account services" scam and harassment with more "final notice" lies

Woman's voice: "Hello. This is Heather at account services. And we're calling in reference to your current credit card account. There's no problems currently with your account. It is urgent however that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Please press one now on your phone to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day."

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Feb 25: 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."

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Feb 24: "Are you late on your mortgage payments" scam

Woman's voice: "Hello. Are you late on your mortgage payments? Do you owe more than your home is currently worth? Foreclosure is not your only option. A new government approved program is available to help you avoid foreclosure. Please press one now to speak with a specialist. Please press three now if you'd like to be removed from this list."

Feb 24: "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."

Monday, February 23, 2009

Feb 23: "Mark" from the "government stimulus" scam at "mortgage services": "Has the new president finally done enough"

Man's voice: "Has the new president finally done enough to make a positive impact on you and your family? This is Mark from the government stimulus center at mortgage services. The newest stimulus bill. Contains a mortgage provision that will. Change your life. Please. Press one now to speak to a stimulus. Specialist. About the latest changes. Again. Press one now. To see what the latest legislation means for you and your family. Or to be removed from our calling list, press three now."

Feb 23: "Public service announcement" and "survey" for "diabetics" scam

Woman's voice: "This is an important public service announcement and survey for diabetics or family members of diabetics. Diabetic experts highly recommend that you take part in the survey for educational and research purposes. By pressing one now, you'll complete a short survey on diabetes, and get a free upgrade on your meter and strip. This will include alternate site testing where you don't even have to prick your finger. Supplies can be sent within one to three days after completing this survey and are normally covered by health care providers. So press one now to take part in the survey. Or press three to decline the offer. Thank you."

So I pressed one and the phone rang for a half minute or so. Then there was a woman who said something like, "blah blah blah...this is Nicole. Are you or a loved one diabetic?" Unprepared, I asked, "Am I what?" She hung up immediately. The quickness of her hangup convinces me that they call way too many people, and they're afraid of letting someone go Abe Simpson on them.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Feb 20: "Are you one of the millions of Americans" mortgage scam

Woman's voice: "Are you one of the millions of Americans worried about losing their home..."

It continued with some scam about mortgage or something that I don't remember. I pressed one, and there was ringing for a long time-- a minute or so. Then another woman's voice: "Sorry, I am unable to do that. Goodbye." These fuckers are making more calls than they can handle. I hope they somehow fucking implode.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Thoughts: blame the phone company

The national do not call legislation is pretty much worthless, because the callers don't identify themselves. Caller ID is spoofed. You can't tell who the fuck to report to the do not call site. But the phone company knows who is calling whom and where the money is coming from. They probably make too much money from the phone spammers to make any serious efforts at getting rid of them.

The do not call legislation should have mandated the phone companies provide a free service to report the violators that can be accessed by doing something akin to *69. If a phone account gets too many reports, then the account can be investigated and fined and shut down if it is indeed spewing out spam.

Feb 19: Recording of "Heather" at "account services" scam and harassment with more "final notice" lies

Woman's voice: "Hello. This is Heather at account services. And we're calling in reference to your current credit card account. There's no problems currently with your account. It is urgent however that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Please press one now on your phone to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day." [four second pause] "Hello. This is Heather at account services. And we're calling in reference to your current credit card account. There's no problems currently with your account. It is urgent however that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Please press one now on your phone to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day." [four second pause] "Hello. This is Heather at account services. And we're calling in reference to your current credit card account. There's no problems currently with your account. It is urgent however that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Please press one now on your phone to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day."

Feb 19: "Are you one of the millions of Americans" loan modification scam

Woman's voice: "Are you one of the millions of Americans..." and more stuff about some mortgage and loan modification scam. And press one to talk to an operator or press two to be removed. I pressed one, and a recording of another woman's voice said, "This phone number has been removed."

Feb 19: "KRC Research" survey

This type of thing won't be stopped by the national do-not-call list. The only question she asked was if I was over the age of sixty-five. The results of a survey like that should be very, very, very informative.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Feb 17: "Christopher" with "client control group" scam

Man's voice: "Hi. This is Christopher with uh client control group. And this is my last attempt to legally reduce your credit card debt down to zero? So call me back at 1-800-489-1631. Once again, we can legally reduce your credit card debt to down(sic) zero. Once again, 1-800-489-1631."

Feb 17: "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."

Feb 17: 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."

Monday, February 16, 2009

Feb 16: "Public service announcement" and "survey" for "diabetics" scam

Woman's voice: "This is an important public service announcement and survey for diabetics or family members of diabetics. Diabetic experts highly recommend that you take part in the survey for educational and research purposes. By pressing one now, you'll complete a short survey on diabetes, and get a free upgrade on your meter and strip. This will include alternate site testing where you don't even have to prick your finger. Supplies can be sent within one to three days after completing this survey and are normally covered by health care providers. So press one now to take part in the survey. Or press three to decline the offer. Thank you."

Feb 16: "prequalified for a brand-name computer" scam

Man's voice: "Congratulations. You've been prequalified for a brand-name computer with no money down or credit check. You can even get a free printer and free LCD TV with your order. Press one now to take advantage of this exciting offer. Again, press one now. Or press three to decline this offer."

Friday, February 13, 2009

Feb 13: Recording of "Dave" with an "authorized Dish Network dealer" scam

Man's voice: "Hi. This is Dave calling with an authorized Dish Network dealer in your area. I'll get right to the point. If you feel like you've been paying too much every month, and getting very little for your cable TV, I have a great deal for you. We will give you free satellite TV equipment and installation for up to four rooms with the lowest and best monthly price in the country. Sign up today and we'll also give you a free two room DVR system, which will allow you to skip those annoying commercials and never miss your favorite TV show again. Lower prices, better channels, and better service for you and your family. Press one to hear more."

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Feb 12: 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."

There were a bunch of stupid sound effects interspersed, such as the obnoxious foghorn, phone beeps, and steel drums.

Feb 12: Local insurance agent

I don't have automobile insurance with the agent, nor have any business or other relationship with the agent or agency. She was selling automobile insurance. This sort of call ought to be stopped by the national do not call list. My phone number has only been on it for about two weeks, so these calls should not be coming in after about two and half more weeks.

Feb 12: "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."

Feb 12: "prequalified for a brand-name computer" scam

Man's voice: "Congratulations. You've been prequalified for a brand-name computer with no money down or credit check. You can even get a free printer and free LCD TV with your order. Press one now to take advantage of this exciting offer. Again, press one now. Or press three to decline this offer."

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Feb 10: 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."

They called just a week earlier. So I pressed one to fuck with them. Unfortunately, I hadn't prepared any bogus mortgage story, so I just answered yes when the woman asked if I was behind on my mortgage. When I couldn't answer how many months behind I was, she said I didn't qualify and hung up on me. Next time, I'll be better prepared with a fake mortgage balance, fake interest rate, and a fake number of months that I'm behind.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Feb 10: "This is a very important message about your current home loan" scam

Woman's voice: "This is a very important message about your current home loan. Are you late on your mortgage payments? Have you been unable to refinance in the recent past? A new government approved program is available to help you permanently lower your mortgage payment without incurring the high cost of a refinance. Please press one now to speak with a loan modification specialist for a free consultation. Or press two to be removed from this list."

Feb 10: "This is an important message regarding your automotive warranty" scam

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 be automatically be closed."

Feb 10: Recording of "Heather" at "account services" scam and harassment

Woman's voice: "Hello. This is Heather at account services. And we're calling in reference to your current credit card account. There's no problems currently with your account. It is urgent however that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Please press one now on your phone to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day." [four second pause] "Hello. This is Heather at account services. And we're calling in reference to your current credit card account. There's no problems currently with your account. It is urgent however that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Please press one now on your phone to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day." [four second pause] "Hello. This is Heather at account services. And we're calling in reference to your current credit card account. There's no problems currently with your account. It is urgent however that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your interest rate. To as little as six point nine percent. Your eligibility expires shortly. So please consider this your final notice. Please press one now on your phone to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day."

Feb 10: Recording of "don't be alarmed" credit scam with "this is your final notice" lies

Woman's voice: "Don't be alarmed. But this is your final notice for lower interest rates on your current account. This offer expires today. Press one and speak to your account manager and reduce your rate. Again, press one now. This is the last offer of the season. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day."

Monday, February 09, 2009

Feb 9: Yet more "final call" lies from "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."

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Feb 7: Yet more "final call" lies from "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."

Friday, February 06, 2009

Feb 6: "You were chosen as the winner today" to "win a carnival cruise" scam

Woman's voice: "Congratulations. You have filled out a conscious(?) entry form to win a carnival cruise and you were chosen as the winner today. If you have never taken a cruise before, this is a great opportunity to test the waters. If you have cruised before, then you know how great cruises can be. Don't wait. Press one and you will receive a full eighteen months to travel on your cruise. Press one to speak to a travel agent to claim your cruise. Or press two to be taken off the list. On a first come basis. Press one now."

Feb 6: 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."

Feb 6: "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."

Feb 6: 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."

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Feb 5: Recording of "Janie" from the "loan servicing department" scam

Woman's voice: "Hi. This is Janie from the loan servicing department. The federal government has asked lenders to work with their clients to help them save their homes and reduce their payments and or eliminate negative equity due to decreased home values. Press one now to speak with a specialist about this exciting new program. Or nine to be removed. If you're currently experiencing hardship, behind in your mortgage, or your loan is recently recasted to a higher interest rate, you are eligible for this program. Press one now to speak with an associate. Or press the nine key to be removed from our database. This is not a new loan, but a negotiation of your existing loan terms. And or a reduction of your principal balance. Press one now to learn more. Or nine to be removed."

Feb 5: Recording of "Rachel" at "cardholder services" scam

Woman's voice: "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. To as little as six point nine percent. 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 two to discontinue further notices. Thank you. Have a great day."

Feb 5: "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."

Feb 5: "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."

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Feb 3: "Mr. Jenkins" from "the government loan center" at "mortgage services"

Man's voice: "Hi there. It's Mister Jenkins from the government loan center at mortgage services? You've been hand-selected by our preapproval department for a new, government-backed, FHA loan. With this new loan, you can get cash out up to ninety-seven percent of your home's value and a lower interest rate. And. For a limited time, you will skip one to two months worth of mortgage payments in the process. For more details regarding the approval process and your new loan, please press one now. Again. Press one now to be connected to a live government loan specialist. Or to be removed from our calling list, press three now."

Feb 3: 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."

Feb 3: "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."

Feb 3: Recording of "are you paying too much for your TV service" Dish Network scam

Woman's voice: "Are you paying too much for your TV service? Switch to Dish Network now and get the lowest per-channel cost in the industry. You can get over one hundred thirty channels. Including local channels. You also get a free satellite system. Free installation. Free DVR equipment. And free high-def equipment. To hear more about this special offer, please press one on your phone now. Or press two to be taken off this special list."

Feb 3: 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."

So I pressed one. Then, I asked if I qualified. The man said I had to answer some questions to find out if I qualified. He asked if I was behind on my mortgage. I said no. He asked if I was in financial difficulty. I said no. He said their program was not for me and "thank you for calling". I didn't call them. Why would I call a scam operation? Plus, they called my work phone number, which, as far as I know, is an employee number, not a homeowner number. What is the mortgage "bell" (as it was pronounced in the recording) out anyhow?

Monday, February 02, 2009

Feb 2: "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."

Feb 2: 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."