Telemarketers keep calling me

Dec 6: Rachel at Cardholder Services scam

2011-12-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

"...vices calling in reference to your current credit card account? There are NO problems CURRENTLY with your account. It is URGENT that you contact use 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 three to discontinue further notices. Thank you. Have a great day. 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 three to discontinue further notices. Thank you. Have a great day."

Oct 11: HAFA foreclosure scam

2011-10-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

"We're calling today to talk to you about your property. As of April first, two thousand eleven, the United States government passed a new program, HAFA, that enables ALL homeowners to have LEGAL representation. Stop harassing lender calls. PREVENT foreclosure. Banks have been committing MASSIVE fraud and foreclosing on innocent homeowners ILLEGALLY. Press eight if you are NOT interested in HAFA and would like to be taken off our HAFA preapproved list. If you would like to find out if you QUALIFY for HAFA, please press FOUR now to speak with a HAFA government program specialist. It is important that lenders do EVERYTHING possible to NOT allow you to go to foreclosure. Press FOUR now so we can get started. This is a streamlined process and does NOT require much paperwork. Press four now to learn about NEW government programs that will help YOU as a homeowner AVOID foreclosure."

Sep 30: "calling in reference to your current credit card account" scam

2011-09-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

"...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. Press the number three to discontinue further notices. Or press the number one on your phone NOW to speak with a live operator and lower your interest rate. Thank you. Have a great day."

Sep 29: "calling in reference to your current credit card account" scam

2011-09-29T18:51:00.001-07:00

Jul 25: "Kristin" loan modification scam

2011-07-25T18:25:00.001-07:00

"Hi. This is Kristin calling back in regards to your loan modification. You spoke to our office and requested us to call you back if the new program were to come out. This program is available to homeowners who are behind on their mortgage or struggling. Even if you are previously denied the hands program or if you are behind on your mortgage or if you owe more on your home than what it's worth, we can help you. Please call 888-308-6718. Again, the number to reach us is 888-308-6718. Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you."

This message starts off with obvious lies. I never requested scammers like these to call me back. I have no idea what a "hands program" is. I assume the rest of the message contains more lies.

Jul 8: Card member services scam

2011-07-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

"This is an important message from card member services. THIS is your final courtesy call. Before we close the file on your annual credit card account review. We have sent you several courtesy notices. To your residence. This will be the last time to take adVANtage in lowering your credit card interest rate. To as little as six percent on ALL your credit card accounts. The only requirement is you must owe at least three thousand dollars between all your credit card accounts and have one in good standing. Press one NOW to speak to a friendly customer services agent."

Jun 23: National Consumer Counseling Agency scam

2011-06-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

"This is an important message about your credit card and medical account. Because of the amount you owe, and because of the income each adult member of your household appears to earn, you may qualify to have ALL of your debts permanently and legally ELIMINATED under chapter seven of the U.S. bankruptcy code. National Consumer Counseling Agency, a California non-profit, offers a FREE five minute consultation to help determine if if you qualify"

A different voice was spliced in:

"for this federal relief."

Returning to the original voice:

"Now remember, we are a nonprofit company and are NOT engaged in the practice of law. So we can NOT perform a bankruptcy on your behalf. We simply offer free, unbiased information to help you better understand the options available to you. Please. Press one now to speak with a volunteer and share simple, non-specific information to find out if you qualify. And remember governmental guidelines do CHANGE every year, so you may NOT qualify next year, even if you QUALIFY right now. So please, press one now."

Apr 27: Mortgage renegotiation scam

2011-04-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Hello, this is pertaining to your current home loan, reference number seven four eight nine six three two. As of January third, two thousand eleven, the federal government has instructed all lenders to assist distressed homeowners in modifying their mortgages. To make the mortgage payments more affordable with no upfront fees. This includes principal reduction. We are implementing this procedure under civil code two nine eight one. If you are not a homeowner, or are not interested in renegotiating your home loan, press three. It is important that we do everything possible to keep you in your home and not allow you to go to foreclosure. Press five now to be transferred to the renegotiation department to lower your mortgage payments. Press five to renegotiate your mortgage."

It seems these fucking scams are still spamming phones.

An observation

2010-06-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

When someone I know calls me, they almost always say who they are. When telemarketers call, they never say who they are or why they are calling, and sometimes they don't answer when I ask who they are. At least the robocalls have pretty much stopped.

Jun 4: "Debt Solutions" scam

2010-06-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

Why the fuck are these calls coming again?

Jun 2: "This is an important message about your mortgage" scam

2010-06-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "This is an important message about your mortgage. President Obama has just signed a seventy-five billion dollar stimulus package, which includes homeowner protection laws. The government is requiring that your mortgage company make your mortgage payments more affordable. Press one now if you are behind on your mortgage payments, have an interest rate above seven percent, have an adjustable rate mortgage, or if you owe more than your home is worth. You might be a victim of predatory lending and we can help. You can benefit from this stimulus package with a loan restructure. This is not a refinance. This is not based upon your credit score or your home's value. Press one now to speak with a live restructure specialist. Press two to be removed from our list."

Apr 7: "The Home Security Center" recording

2010-04-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

A recording about home alarms called. I pressed one and asked who they were. The woman said that they were "The Home Security Center". I asked where it was and she said it was in Southern California.

Jan 28: "Jennifer" with "Trademark USA"

2010-01-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

It was a recording of "Jennifer" with "Trademark USA" about grant funding for small businesses. There was the press one for a live operator and the press nine to be removed from their calling list bullshit. While I've still been getting calls that have nobody there when I answer and lots of hangup calls on my answering machine, I thought this prerecorded shit was done for. I hope this "Trademark USA" gets slapped down.

Oct 6: "Ann" with "Account Services" scam

2009-10-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

The "Ann" with "Account Services" scam called yet again. Some pieces of the recording include "to as low as four point nine percent", "based on your credit rating, you have been put up for review", and "please consider this your final notice". After I pressed one, a man said that they were "Card Services" (where the recording said "Account Services") and asked if I wanted to lower my interest rate. So I said yes. Then he asked how much I owe on my credit card, and I gave him a fake number. I then said, "So this is card services?" And he hung up on me. Fucking scam. I'll remember not to ask these innocuous questions the next time these fuckers call.

Oct 5: "Ann" with "Credit Services" scam

2009-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

The same recording that called a few days ago, I think, called again. I pressed one, and after a delay, it hung up on me without connecting anyone. Fucking crooks.

Oct 2: "Ann" with "Account Services" or "Credit Services" scam

2009-10-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

There was a recording of "Ann" with "Account Services". After listening to a bunch of recorded crap, it said "you must act now" and other scam bullshit. It also said to press one, so I pressed one. After a lengthy delay, a woman came on the line and said a bunch of bullshit, including that Experian had selected my account for review and other bullshit implying that they had information about my accounts. She said that they were "Credit Services". I gave her a bunch of fake information in response to her questions. Finally, she asked me to "verify your name", and I gave her a fake name. She seemed a little thrown by that, so I offhandedly said, "Maybe you called the wrong number." She immediately hung up after that. Oops. At least I occupied some of her time. Fucking scammer.

Sep 22: "Continental Law Group" scam

2009-09-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

There was some recording of some woman about some loan modification scam. I pressed one and asked the guy who answered the phone who they were. He said they were "Continental Law Group". I asked for the address and phone number of "Continental Law Group" and he hung up on me rather than tell me. Must be a scam. And, since it's illegal as of Sep 1, 2009, to make prerecorded robocalls, they are criminals.

Sep 16: Diabetics scam

2009-09-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

I picked up the phone after it rang and after a few seconds of nothing, a man's voice said, "...diabetics" and then a bunch of bullshit that I don't remember. I pressed a random button in the middle of it and the recording cut off. After a few more seconds, it hung up on me.

Sep 2: "Judy" "calling about your credit card debt" scam

2009-09-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Hi. This is Judy. I'm calling about your credit card debt. The federal government has mandated consumer credit companies have fifth(?) in consumers. And this unique program will help you by eliminating your debt. There is a program that allows you to settle your credit card debt for as little as fifty to seventy percent of what you owe. Our firm is administering this program for consumers and you are eligible and qualified to take advantage of this program. To be connected to a debt specialist agent to better understand the options available to you, press five now. If you would like to be put on our do not call list, please press two. Again, this program is only for those who are in need of financial relief. Press five to speak with our live operator."

I still can't tell what "have fifth in consumers" is supposed to mean. And since robocalls with prerecorded messages have been illegal as of Sep 1, 2009, this is definitely a scam.

Aug 17: "Charles" with "the rewards department" with Cancun and Orlando vacation scam: "sunset group"

2009-08-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

The recording said "touch one" a bunch of times, which was similar to some previous scam that called.

I pressed one and a woman said it was "marketing for sunset group". She also said that there was a requirement to be at least twenty-three years old or something like that, but I was hanging up at that point.

Aug 14: "We can save your home" "U.S. mitigation service" scam

2009-08-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Man's voice: "We can save your home. Stop doing what you're doing. The United States congress has brought you help. You must listen. We can change your family's lives, lower payments, lower your interest, lower what you owe on your home. We are the U.S. mitigation. Service. Import closure. Behind on payments. We make your home affordable. We work for you. Yes. You. Stop worrying. Please press one to get started and change. Your. Life."

Aug 10: "upcoming benefit sponsored by a local organization" scam

2009-08-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

Man's voice: "Sorry we could not speak with you personally. Our call is regarding an upcoming benefit event sponsored by a local organization. If you are interested in donating, please call--"

Aug 3: "Judy" "calling about your credit card debt" scam

2009-08-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Hi. This is Judy. I'm calling about your credit card debt. The federal government has mandated consumer credit companies have fifth(?) in consumers. And this unique program will help you by eliminating your debt. There is a program that allows you to settle your credit card debt for as little as fifty to seventy percent of what you owe. Our firm is administering this program for consumers and you are eligible and qualified to take advantage of this program. To be connected to a debt specialist agent to better understand the options available to you, press five now. If you would like to be put on our do not call list, please press two. Again, this program is only for those who are in need of financial relief. Press five to speak with our live operator."

My guess is that something was spliced out where it sounded like she said "companies have fifth in consumers", and that "our [unnamed] firm" is a scam.

Jul 31: "Julia" "calling about your credit card debt" scam

2009-07-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Hi. This is Julia. I'm calling about your credit card debt. The federal government has mandated consumer credit companies assist consumers. And this unique program will help you by eliminating your debt. There is a program that allows you to settle your credit card debt for as little as forty to sixty percent of what you owe. Our firm is administering this program for consumers, and you are eligible and qualified to take advantage of this program. Press one now to enter the process. Press one to take advantage of this program. Press two to be removed."

"Our firm" is never identified by the recording. Sounds like a scam to me.

Jul 14: "Congratulations, you have been prequalified for a reduced interest rate" scam

2009-07-14T23:28:00.001-07:00

Jul 6: mortgagehelp09.com scam

2009-07-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Man's voice: "This is a public service announcement from mortgage help oh nine dot com. Do you want help with your loan modification, but don't want to get caught up in the latest scam? Mortgage help oh nine dot com is a free consumer resource site that will provide you with specific details and an eligibility tool to determine what programs you may be eligible for. All from the convenience of your own home. Now is the time to make the system work for you. For additional resources and in(sic) details, visit mortgage help oh nine dot com. To have your number removed from our calling list, press two."

Jul 1: "This is a very important message for people between the ages of forty and eight-five" burial plan scam

2009-07-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Hello. This is a very important message for people between the ages of forty and eighty-five. Are you prepared for the final expenses in your life? Most of us are not. And it usually leaves a financial burden on our loved ones for funeral home and burial expenses. This burial plan can be issued regardless of age or health. Includes a free five thousand dollar policy for grandchildren. Free accidental death benefits for you. And can provide you with peace of mind. For as little as a dollar per day. You must have a checking or savings account to qualify for the plan. To receive a free quote from the final expense representative, please press the number one key on your phone now. Or press nine to be taken off our list for future calling."

Jun 30: Reduced interest rate scam

2009-06-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Congratulations. You have been prequalified for a reduced interest rate on your existing account. Press one now to speak with a representative so your new rate will take effect. If you have received a reduced rate within the last forty-eight hours, please disregard this message. Again, press one now to speak with a live agent and reduce your rate. Or press two to discontinue further notices. Thank you and have a great day."

Recently, the recorded press one to be scammed messages have not been calling as much as the live telemarketers with the partially noise-canceled call-center background noise that ask for me by name, then hang up without saying who they are or why they are calling. There have also been a number of hang-up calls.

Jun 25: Funeral and burial costs scam

2009-06-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Hello. The following is an important message for seniors regarding the high cost of funeral and burial. Many Americans are unprepared for a death in their family due to the high cost of funeral and burial expenses. The average cost of a funeral runs six to ten thousand dollars. Without proper coverage, the family is left with the debt. To learn more about a program that will pay cash money to your family to help take care of funeral and burial costs, please press the one key on your telephone now. Just press the one key. Now."

Jun 23: "Our president asked mortgage lenders" "press five" to be scammed recording

2009-06-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Hello. Our president asked mortgage lenders to work with homeowners to modify their mortgage loans and make them more affordable for their customers. We are implementing this procedure under this directive and are calling to get your mortgage modified and renegotiated with your lender to make your payments more affordable. To see if you qualify for this program, please press five now to speak with a representative, or press two if you are not a homeowner or wish to be removed from our list. Press five to enroll in this program to lower your mortgage now. Or press two to be removed from our list. It is important that lenders do everything possible to keep you in your house and not allow you to go into foreclosure. Press five to start the process of reducing your payments on your mortgage. Press five now. Or press two to be removed from our list. Press five and lower your mortgage under President Obama's plan. Press five now."

What's with changing the press one to be scammed into press five to be scammed? I hope it's because they are losing money due to automated systems making the one tone due to people being pissed off from getting all these press one to be scammed calls. If I get these calls live, I'll press five to give them fake information. Because pressing two doesn't make these calls stop.

Jun 17: Funeral and burial costs scam

2009-06-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

May 21: "Attention all Visa and Mastercard holders" scam from "credit card services"

2009-05-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Man's voice: "Attention all Visa and Mastercard holders. This is an urgent message from credit card services. Your credit card interest rates and monthly payments may be scheduled to increase this month. Press the six now to speak to a live agent. As a valued customer, you have been selected to have your rates reduced to a low fixed rate as low as six point nine percent. Save thousands in interest and finance charges now. Press the six now to speak to a live agent. Press the six now."

What's the deal with pressing six to be scammed instead of pressing one to be scammed? I hope it's in reaction to answering machines or other automated systems fucking with them by making the one tone.

May 19: "If you have more than ten thousand dollars in credit card debt" scam

2009-05-19T16:04:00.001-07:00

Woman's voice: "If you have more than ten thousand dollars in credit card debt, please listen carefully [...] Press one to speak to a debt specialist [...]"

So I pressed one and made up answers to a bunch of questions, such as how much debt, how many credit cards, what was the minimum payment, what was the interest rate. It was just too much crap to make up, and I didn't have the relevant information in the cheat sheet that I pull up when I get the press one to get scammed calls. So when he asked why I was interested in debt consolidation, I said it was because I wanted to get scammed and hung up. I failed.

May 15: "Jeffrey Green" with "credit card services" scam

2009-05-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

There was a recording of "Jeffrey Green" with "credit card services". He also said "touch one" to get scammed, and "touch two" to be lied to about getting removed from their calling list. I pressed one, and was on hold for a long time.

Then, a woman asked if I wanted a lower interest rate or something. I said yes. She asked what my credit card balance was, and I gave her a fake figure that was big enough. She asked if my interest rate was over twelve percent, and she said, "It sounds like you would be eligible for [something that I couldn't make out]." Then she hung up on me.

May 15: "Drew" with "rewards department" Cancun and Orlando vacation scam

2009-05-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

I got a call from a recording of "Drew" with some "rewards department" about a five day four night vacation in Orlando Florida and Cancun Mexico. He said "touch one" a bunch of times "to claim your vacation" and various other things. He said "touch two" to be removed from their list.

I pressed one and the operator asked if I was at least twenty-three years old, and I said yes. Then she asked if I had a valid credit card, and I said yes. Then she transferred to another operator.

"Lauren", the other operator, recited a bunch of crap from a script. She asked me to confirm my telephone number, so I gave them the phone number they called. I gave her a fake name, and it was amusing to hear her insert that fake name in the blanks in the script. She said something about a one-day promotion price, and something about one hundred and fifty dollars and fifty cents and something about it being an over three thousand dollar value.

She said the website was www.m4sunset.com, and the phone number was 1-800-961-8354.

When it came time to give a credit card number, I gave them a fake number. I heard a bunch of cheering in the background around that time.

May 13: "Dear homeowner" loan modification scam

2009-05-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

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."

I pressed one and gave the scammer some fake information. Since I still haven't made up a fake address, I had to hang up when he asked for it. I first gave him a fake P.O. box, but he didn't like that.

May 13: San Jose Mercury News telemarketer

2009-05-13T11:00:00.001-07:00

A voice that I didn't recognize that said, "Hey, how's it going?" I asked who it was, and it was a telemarketer, so I was annoyed and put the phone on the desk and didn't listen to his babble.

May 5: "Philip" with "help now relief" scam

2009-05-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

Man's voice: "Hi. This is Philip with help. Now. Relief. And I'm calling because you are qualified for the newly. Approved. Loan. Bailout. Program. That restructures your loan payments, and reduces your mortgage balance to current. Market. Value. I need you to contact me at 800-790-4541. To reserve this bailout program for you immediately. We can reduce your loan balance down to current. Appraised. Value. But I need to hear back from you today. Once again, if you want to take advantage of this bailout. Program. Contact me at 800-790-4541. Thank you."

May 5: "This is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

2009-05-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

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."

May 1: "This is an important message regarding your automotive warranty" scam

2009-05-01T19:52:00.002-07:00

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."

May 1: "This is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

2009-05-01T19:52:00.001-07:00

Apr 27: "President Obama has asked mortgage lenders" scam

2009-04-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "Hello. President Obama has asked mortgage lenders to work with their customers to modify their mortgage and make them more affordable for their customers. We are implementing this procedure under this directive and are calling to get your mortgage modified and renegotiated with your lender. To make your payments more affordable. To see if you qualify for this program, please press one now to speak with a representative. Or press nine if you are not a homeowner or wish to be removed from our list. Press one to enroll in this program to lower your mortgage now. Or press nine to be removed from our list. It is important that lenders do everything possible to keep you in your home and not allow you to go to foreclosure. Press one to start the process of reducing the payments on your mortgage. Press one now. Or press nine to be removed from our list. Press one and lower your mortgage under President Obama's plan. Press one now."

Apr 27: Noise on answering machine

2009-04-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

This crap has been coming in a number of times in the last few weeks, along with the usual hangup telemarketers calls. Perhaps it's the return of junk fax spamming.

Apr 20: "Rachel at cardholder services" harassment scam

2009-04-20T09:55:00.001-07:00

Apr 16: Mercury News telemarketer

2009-04-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

I said I wasn't interested. This was the first call from the Mercury News that I've gotten in over a year. I guess they haven't given up on telemarketing after all.

Apr 16: "Public service message" from "the medical benefits association" scam

2009-04-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

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."

I pressed one and talked to some guy. I answered "yes" to all his questions, and then he hung up on me. I think the final question was not a yes/no question.

Apr 15: Loan modification scam "targeting homeowners"

2009-04-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

The recording also said something about President Obama. And it said to press one. I pressed one and fed a whole bunch of fake information to some guy about being behind on a fake mortgage in response to his questions. When I couldn't come up with a fake address, I hung up. I need to have a fake address prepared for the next scam that calls. Some address on some non-existent street. I ought to make up some fake story about being laid off recently too as a fake reason for being behind on the fake mortgage.

Apr 15: "Samantha" from "cash for gold" scam

2009-04-15T09:31:00.001-07:00

There was a recording of "Samantha from cash for gold", www.cashforgold.com. The recording said a bunch of bullshit. I pressed one, and the recording said that something would be mailed to me. I wonder what they think my mailing address is.

Apr 13: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

2009-04-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Apr 10: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

2009-04-10T19:36:00.001-07:00

Apr 10: "Press one now" loan modification scam

2009-04-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "...hind on your payment, or 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."

Apr 8: "President Obama has asked mortgage lenders" scam

2009-04-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

Apr 3: "Super savings" gas card and travel certificate scam

2009-04-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

There was some recording. I do not remember what it said, but it was something about a one hundred dollar gas card and a travel certificate and something about a four dollars and ninety-nine cents credit or debit card charge for shipping and handling. Obviously a scam. So I pressed one and talked to some dude.

He asked if I pressed one for the gas card and travel certificate. I lied and said yes. He said a bunch of stuff about the scam that I don't remember. There was something about three free promotions or something. Then he asked me about a bunch of stuff. He already had my phone number. I gave him a fake name, a fake mailing address, a fake credit card number. The fake credit card number was rejected by their system, so we went back and forth repeating the number a few time.

Finally, he asked if they'd called me before and then hung up on me.

Apr 2: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

2009-04-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Apr 2: "Rachel at cardholder services" harassment scam

2009-04-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Apr 1: "Rachel at cardholder services" scam

2009-04-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

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. 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."

So I pressed one and some scammer woman started talking to me. She asked if I pressed one to lower my interest rates, so I lied and said yes. She asked if I knew if my interest rate was over thirteen percent, and I said yes, which would not necessarily be a lie, since I could know that my interest rate was not over thirteen percent. Then she told a bunch of lies about card member services and that they sent a letter to me some time in the last thirty days and that they were calling because there was no response to this (fictitious) letter. She said some lies about Visa and Mastercard and how my payments would go towards the balance rather than high interest rates. Then, the line hung up while she was in mid-sentence. Silly scammers.

Mar 28: "Your business is eligible to receive grant funding" scam

2009-03-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "...visers. And I'm calling to let you know your business is eligible to receive grant funding ranging from one hundred thousand to one point five million dollars. But we need some information regarding your business to determine how much money you qualify for. Most of this grant money has to be given out each and every year. In fact, over three billion dollars was given away in two thousand seven alone. If you have an interest in pursuing this matter, press one now. If not, press two. Or press nine to be taken off our calling list."

Mar 27: "Rachel at cardholder services" scam

2009-03-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

"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 thr-TWO to discontinue further notices. Thank you. Have a great day."

Mar 26: "President Obama has asked mortgage lenders" scam

2009-03-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

Mar 25: "Senior benefits" burial insurance scam

2009-03-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Man's voice: "...for senior citizens. If you're age fifty to eighty-five, please stay on the line. Senior benefits is now offering an affordable burial insurance plan that guarantees your acceptance regardless of your health, where the benefits never decrease, and the cost never increases. And is guaranteed never to be canceled. Taking care of this now will relieve your family of this added burden, and offer you peace of mind. To receive further information about this low-cost burial insurance plan, please press the one key on your telephone now."

Mar 18: "Your business is eligible to receive grant funding" scam

2009-03-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Woman's voice: "... to advisers. And I'm calling to let you know that your business is eligible to receive grant funding ranging from one hundred thousand to one point five million dollars. But we need some information regarding your business to determine how much money you qualify for. Most of this grant money has to be given out each and every year. In fact, over three million dollars was given away in two thousand seven alone. If you have an interest in pursuing this matter, press one now. If not, press two. Or press nine to be taken off our calling list."

My phone number, which is not a business number, is on the national do not call list, so this must be a scam.

Mar 14: "Tim McFadden" from the "loan modification department" scam

2009-03-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

Man's voice: "Hello, this is Tim McFadden. Calling from the loan modification department. At 1-800-378-3124. I am calling about your mortgage, as it looks like your file qualifies for a loan modification. And payment reduction. Uh this allows us to work together to reduce your loan payments and loan balance without having to refinance. Now if your payments are going up, you are falling behind, or you have been turned down for a refinance, then we can assist you in lowering your payments. And avoid possible foreclosure. Call us back at 1-800-378-3124."

Mar 13: "This is an important message regarding your automotive warranty" scam

2009-03-13T18:35:00.001-07:00

Mar 12: "Christopher" with "client control group" scam

2009-03-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

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. Call me back today, 1-800-489-1631."

Week of Mar 9

2009-03-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

No calls from recordings this week so far. However, there are still a few hangup calls every day with call center background noise, so some of the scams are still at it.

Mar 6: "Your business is eligible to receive grant funding" scam

2009-03-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

Woman's voice: "...visers. And I'm calling to let you know that your business is eligible to receive grant funding ranging from one hundred thousand to one point five million dollars. But we need some information regarding your business to determine how much money you qualify for. Most of this grant money has to be given out each and every year. In fact, over three million dollars was given away in two thousand seven alone. If you have an interest in pursuing this matter, press one now. If not, press two. Or press nine to be taken off our calling list."

My phone number, which is not a business number, is on the national do not call list, so this must be a scam.

Mar 6: Recording of "don't be alarmed" credit scam with "this is your final notice" lies

2009-03-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

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."

My phone number has been on the national do not call list for over thirty-one days, so this is a scam.

Mar 5: "Announcement" of the "government's economic stimulus modification program" mortgage modification scam

2009-03-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

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."

My phone number has been on the national do not call list for more than thirty-one days, so this is a scam.

Mar 3: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your homeloan" loan modification scam

2009-03-03T23:39:00.001-08:00

Woman's voice: "This is an important message. Regarding your homeloan. If you are currently behind on your mortgage payment, or in foreclosure, please know that you have options. And we can help. We can work with your current lender to negotiate terms that will allow you to stay in your home. Or modify your current loan to lower your monthly payment. We are experts in loan modification, and our success rate is nearly one hundred percent. Again. If you are behind in your payment, or worse, we urge you to press one and speak with one of our experienced counselors. The consultation is free. You have options. We can help. Press two to decline this offer."

She pronounced "homeloan" as a single word. This is a scam, as my phone number has been on the national do not call list for more than thirty-one days.

Mar 3: Loan modification scam

2009-03-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

There was a recording of a man's voice saying something about some loan modification scam. I pressed one, and talked to some man.

I fed him a bunch of fake information, such as name, lender, mortgage balance. But when I refused to give him my home phone number, as I did not have a fake home phone number ready, he decided that I should find someone else for "help" and hung up. I never found out who they claimed to be, but I trying to suck his time that he would otherwise use scamming people, rather then causing him to hang up on me by asking him who they were.

Mar 2: Recording of "national alert for area homeowners" scam

2009-03-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

Woman's voice: "Hello. This is a national alert for area homeowners only. We are using this unusual way of announcing that our president, in response to the national bailout program, has released a new bailout program to help homeowners who are experiencing mortgage difficulties or facing foreclosure. We are offering loan modification programs to assist homeowners through financial difficulties. We are offering loan modification programs to assist homeowners through financial difficulties and to avoid foreclosure. This program is for people with mortgage lates, possible foreclosure, or if you owe more than the value of your home, we have solutions for you. This program is for you. And it will allow you to modify your home loan to stop the mortgage lates and the possibility of foreclosure. To find out how you can qualify for this program, please press one now to speak with a loan modification specialist. If you would like to be put on our do not call list, please press two. Again, this program is for area homeowners only. Please press one to speak with our live operator."

My phone number has been on the national do not call list for over thirty-one days, so this is a scam.

Mar 2: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

2009-03-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

Mar 2: "This is a message from the national health care association" scam

2009-03-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Woman's voice: "This is a message from the national health care association. We have found a true health insurance program for half the cost of the national average. Again, this is real insurance. Practically everything is covered. And there are no gimmicks or red tape. Doctors. Hospitals. Dental. Vision. It's all covered. Please press one now to hear more about saving you money."

Feb 27: "Press one now" loan modification scam

2009-02-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

Feb 25: Recording of "attention all homeowners" scam

2009-02-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T22:44:00.002-08:00

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

2009-02-24T22:44:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2009-02-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Thoughts: blame the phone company

2009-02-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T16:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2009-02-17T23:51:00.000-08:00

Feb 17: "Dear homeowner" loan modification scam

2009-02-17T23:50:00.002-08:00

Feb 17: Recording of "this is an important message regarding your current credit card account" scam

2009-02-17T23:50:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-16T16:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-16T16:31:00.001-08:00

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."

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

2009-02-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

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."

Feb 12: Recording of "this is your captain speaking" scam

2009-02-12T18:20:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-12T17:43:00.002-08:00

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

2009-02-12T17:43:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-12T17:42:00.001-08:00

Feb 10: Recording of "the federal government has awarded seven hundred billion dollars for mortgage bail out" scam

2009-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2009-02-10T23:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T23:40:00.000-08:00