I did away with a land line in the early 2000’s. And when my cell phone rings, I do not answer unless it is a number in my contact list.
If they don’t leave a message, they really didn’t need to reach me. And if they do leave a message, I can easily determine if it is a scam or a robo call. I then block the number but also know the scammers will just come up with new numbers to call from. But being able to prescreen calls is a great thing.
I did get a voice mail late last year that was supposedly from “Brad Johnson” from the IRS. “Brad” was calling to tell me there was an arrest warrant out for me for unpaid taxes and that unless I called him back in the next hour, the local Sherriff would come to my home or place of business to arrest me. But that I could avoid arrest if I called him back and made immediate payment arrangements. “Brad” however sounded more like an extra from Slum Dog Millionaire than he did an actual IRS agent - and trust me, I once legitimately owed money to the IRS and this is not how they operate – official and lengthy legal documents sent via certified return receipt mail – yes, some guy calling in the middle of the night named “Brad” wanting you to pay your tax bill via a Western Union money transfer or via Amazon gift cards in order to avoid immediate arrest – not so much.
The sad thing is despite all the warnings and educational materials and press articles about these scammers, is how many people still fall for them.
I get calls from the exact same scammers you can tell right away are sitting in some Indian call center. But with my smartass personality....I simply HAVE TO eff with these people. :^)
I keep them on the line for as long as possible, act contrite and beaten down and then when they tell me the cops are coming, I tell them “OK....well....tell them I’ll be waiting for them.
Naked
(Pause)
With all my guns.”
Their sudden shock is PRICELESS! Then I laugh and laugh and tell them they just got PLAYED just like a lil’ beyotch. (maniacal laughter into the phone).......
They don’t call back for a good long while.