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Never before has it been so unsafe to answer a call from an unknown number. The worldwide pandemic has made phone scammers and robocalls more desperate and proactive. They target the most vulnerable of us, all hit by the financial and emotional burdens brought by an unprecedented crisis. Three out of 4 Americans said they were targeted by phone scammers over the past year, reported this survey.
In addition to staying alert at all times when your phone rings, some people are arming themselves with humor and see it as a sort of entertainment. Like the comedian Joe Heenan, who recently tweeted, probably sarcastically, how much he “loves spam calls.”
“I pretend I'm an old Scottish woman desperate to pay them. My record's an hour,” Joe wrote in a post which went viral with 39.3K likes. More people joined the thread to share their own tips and tricks on dealing with scammers, which are honestly quite funny.
That doesn’t mean, though, that phone scams should be viewed lightheartedly. Whenever you’re unsure about the caller, you’re likely to be much safer not answering it than regretting getting into a robocall bonanza.
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Phone scams and robocalls show no signs of slowing down, with more than 4 billion robocalls targeting phones across the US in January. According to YouMail, an Irvine, CA-based developer of visual voicemail and robocall-blocking software, there was a 3.7% increase over the month of December.
And while most of us have run into scammers both on the phone and online, it’s not always entirely clear to us what we should do when we get one. So to find out, Bored Panda reached out to Alex Quilici, a CEO at YouMail who shared a handful of useful advice.
“People should not answer calls from unknown numbers, and let them roll to voicemail—so that they can see what the call was all about from the message that was left,” Alex said. He also explained that harmful phone calls are often imposter scams—“for example, someone pretending to be the IRS and telling you that you owe money that needs to be settled right away. These scams take away billions of dollars from people each year.”
When it comes to robocalls, Alex said that they, in fact, have dropped since the pandemic started. It’s “because call centers are closed—and the whole point of a robocall is usually for you to press 1 and talk to someone (or call back).” But at this point “they are now fully back to levels before the pandemic as call centers have generally reopened,” he added.
#7
Cleo Carter 4 years ago
I’m a little confused. I saw some other examples talking about post accident scammers. Is that a thing?
For anyone who’s worrying about keeping themselves safe from suspicious calls, Alex suggests “getting a robocall-blocking app like YouMail so that the unwanted calls are filtered (and your ringer is protected).” The second step would be to make sure you “don’t answer the unknown calls that might get through—let them roll to voicemail.”
“If you have YouMail, we can automatically examine the voicemail that’s left and let you know if it’s harmful (a scam or spam vs. something real),” Alex explained. Moreover, he warned everyone to make sure you “don’t just call back numbers that call you—go to the web site of whoever the caller claims to be (e.g., Chase bank) and call a number you find there.”
#10
Bored Panda also talked to Mike Ferris, the head of communications at Hiya, a Seattle-based company that sells caller profile information to identify incoming calls and block suggested unwanted ones. Mike said that the most common thing that people do when they receive a call from an unknown number is not pick up.
“In Hiya’s recent State of the Call report, they analyzed more than 150 billion calls made on the Hiya network in 2020 and found that a staggering 94% of unknown calls went unanswered. And that’s because most people think that unknown calls might be fraud.”
#11
“But as a result of not answering these unknown calls, people miss important calls,” Mike said and added that “sometimes calls from doctors, banks, and delivery people are unidentified, so opting to not answer these calls can cause real problems—both for the caller and the recipient.”
Mike said that for these reasons, instead of ignoring unknown callers, a better option is to take advantage of an intelligent call protection and caller identification service. “Hiya blocks fraud calls, flags nuisance calls, and provides caller identity so that people know who’s calling.”
It turns out that “this significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to a fraud call and also gives people more information to decide whether or not to pick up a call.”
#15
Jane Dorothy Warner 4 years ago
I am very old, but I have a young voice (luckily I kept something of my youth) and one guy ended up proposing to me because I sounded so nice and kind. Aww...
#19
cookie panda 4 years ago
yeah. Ive been practicing a hitler accent and when the answer, i say, in hitler accent, "WHO DARE AWEKEN THE GREAT ONE"... click
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Rose the Cook 4 years ago
I used to mumble something incomprehensible and when they asked if I spoke English, I would say you have called the Japanese Embassy, your call is being monitored. It always got rid of them.
Eric Carr 4 years ago
I look at the caller ID and remember the last 4 digits of the phone number calling me. I then answer the phone... Me: #3745 Number in. Scammer: Hello Mr... Me: (Talking over them) #3745 Number In. Scammer: ... looking for an extended car warranty ... Me: (Talking over them) #3745 enter your access number Scammer: ... Me: #3745 this line is unsecure. Scammer: ... Me: #3745 Number in. You need to comply NOW I've started the trace. Most of the time they hang up but I did have one guy apologize to me.
Miraculous Klutz 4 years ago
Next scam call I pick up I shall answer in Russian. I might alternate between Latin and Spanish too. At least I can practice my languages that way.
TheAnimalLady 4 years ago
The way it's been this last year, since covid-19 hit.. If you don't know the phone number, it's a scam.
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#21
LesAnimaux 4 years ago
I usually hum an annoying song while I 'boot up my computer'. Several times. Last time I sang Baby Shark until they hung up.
#23
Lorelai Purvis 4 years ago (edited)
"i want to talk to you about the accident you've been in" "yes, blue killed me in shields" "wait not that one the other one" "oh that one wasn't an accident i meant to shoot pink" *hangs up*
#27
#33
Jeff Christensen 4 years ago
If the Windows Technical Department calls I respond with glee and ask if they can help with my flyscreens.
#36
#41
LotusWolff 4 years ago
“Hi, I’m Carl. Wait no I’m called Gerald. Or was it Liam? I can’t remember.”
#44
#46
Daniel Atkins 4 years ago
And if they didn't hang up Go on and on About that clown. How having the same name is a pain.
#47
Emilycookie 4 years ago
maybe you did own a car but your cat stole it and wiped your memory...
#49
#54
Mademoiselle Mirage 4 years ago
I feel dumb, I didn't understand what she said at all. Help please?
#55
Marilyn Holt 4 years ago
I heard a good one like this on the radio when the guy started asking the scammer 'how to get blood out of a carpet...no not just a drop, a whole lot, actually the guys still bleeding so maybe he's still alive, but I hit him at least three times. Oh mom's gonna be mad about the carpet.....
#56
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
For every one person that's on to them, there are 15 who fall for this scam. That's why these scammers keep calling people. It's a profitable business and they know that it's very unlikely that the police will come knocking on their door. They even have giant call-centers from which they operate.
#59
#62
Kyla Fierro 4 years ago
I Dear Godly One pls forgive me for murdering my sister, Beyoncé, Bobby Joe, and Stewart Little. They were really annoying. Also btw can we just forget about me robbin the bank.
#64
#68
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
Can a Brit explain this one? I need more detail on the following: conservatory salesman, measure up, high flats, Motherwell. Thank you in advance.
#73
Debrina Blackmoon 4 years ago
Something like, "You can just fucck right off, Sir/Madam Pissant and have a lovely day!", I'm guessing.
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What do you think ?
Thenatural 4 years ago
'Hello sir,I'm calling about your recent accident' 'How could you know? It's only just happened' 'Can you give us some details sir?' 'Well ....thought it was a fart but I followed through....hello.....hello'
Carrie Roettger 4 years ago
My husband like to answer the phone like he's a spy in a bad movie with a random and weird coded message like "The octopus is in the glovebox". When the caller responds back he'll say something like "Nope sorry that's incorrect but thanks for playing here's a special gift" and hang up.
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Steve Barnett 4 years ago (edited)
Depends on what mood I'm in. "Trees don't like me, do they like you?" is usually a good opener, then just wander off in a vague, pretending, patronizing way.
MistyCat 4 years ago
BAHAHAHAHA i would've gone with "I like trains" then a whooshing noise and screams tho. LOL.
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Rissie 4 years ago (edited)
Never been so lucky to be called by an actual scammer. But I do find joy in messing with sales and retention calls. This one time someone from a company I used to work for and had just ended an internet subscription with, wanted to tell me about how they now offered fiber to the home. So I corrected her and told her it's at most fiber to the curb and how the signal quickly disintegrates during the final 100 meters of which fifty will be over a very old copper phoneline and how it will not get over 100 mbit so being the exact same speed as I already had. The long version of that. To end the story with a plain and simple statement how I'm moving and they don't serve that area. I like the silence on the other line it comes with.
Cassie 4 years ago
My son likes to get all excited about the extended car warranty scams and ask them if they're going to get his 69 VW Beetle back that went up in flames on his way to work one day. He'll even shout "Hallelujah!! I'm gettin' muh car back!! MA, I'm gettin' muh car back!!" XD
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I will time it if I can :-) ... We're over due for the "help our veterans/police/firemen" calls that are not associated with any legit such organizations whatsoever. What should I say? "Hmm, what a great idea! you know, if they sell Amway, they can make a lot of money and work from home!"....
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your_lesbian_friend 4 years ago
Great guy on Youtube you should check out if you enjoy stuff like this (scambaiting and scambusting) his name is Jim Browning and he is amazing at it! He hacks into the scammers computers and exposes them. 10/10 would reccomend :))
Melanie King 4 years ago
And there's this funny guy called kitboga, there's been a few BP articles about him but his videos are always funny
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Katrina B. 4 years ago
For those in the US, here's some knowledge and a tip. If it's a telemarketer, just hang up. But if it's a market researcher, let them finish their whole spiel and then ask to be put on their do not call list. They are required by law to do so. Market research and telemarketers are two different things.
Caroline Nagel 4 years ago
I once got called by an astrologer, in French - I live in Belgium. In my best French I told her that in my opinion astrology is a crock and she started arguing with me. So I firmly told her that 'l'astrology est une connerie' a few times (she kept talking over me) so she hung up wit a resounding 'MERDE'. Made my day, that!
Melissa Butler 4 years ago
My daughter says "Lucifer's Strip Club and Church. You got the horn's, we got the porns" in an accent of some sort
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I haer taht pause before there's a human voice and yell out (usually to an empty house), "Honey! Start the tracker!" It's utter nonsense, but OMG, so worth it for the peace and quiet for up to *weeks* :-)
Celena Camps 4 years ago
If someone comes to our door (ie later day saints etc). I tell them I’m Buddhist and it ends the conversation. It’s true and works well. Although I do love the shocked look on their faces ..
KombatBunni 4 years ago
My mother used to keep an old Scout whistle by the phone for spam or abusive callers, and those things are crazy loud. One blast of that in their ear and guaranteed they never call back!
Bob Black 4 years ago
I acted stupid ( not a stretch for me it seems ) and when the caller told me my Windows was broken and he would help me fix it.. I replied .. I"m sorry but I don't think so, but I'll check, please hang on... After a minute I then said.. no all the windows in the house are fine, you must be mistaken.. Caller then spent a couple of minutes going back a forth try to explain he was talking about my computer windows.. not the house ones.. I said ok. .I'll check .. After another minute..I said Well you are definitley mistaken as my computer tower has no windows on either side... Another back and forth.. the caller then yelled at me to F off.. and hung up Haven't heard back from them..
Niffler_13 4 years ago
The problem is that the scammers are getting more sophisticated. I got a call and the ID came up as Apple, Inc, saying there was an issue with my account. I called the number back and it was indeed Apple. They told me this is a major problem they have been dealing with and that they would never call if there was an issue with an account. Same with the IRS, they don't call you. Some are just ridiculous: I got a call from a UK number claiming to be the FBI.
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
All great fun and games, maybe when I'm retired... Now I just don't have the time. On YouTube (and live, if you remember such things pre-corona!) my favourite is James Veitch, who takes them on surreal trips.
OhBlahDi OhBlahDa 4 years ago
I love these!!! Fortunately I haven't received any scam calls but oh the telemarketers... I think I'll start with engaging the next telemarketer in a conversation about my lord and saviour!
Random Person 4 years ago
I can speak pretty good spanish, so I usually answer the phone in Spanish and scream "NO HABLO ÍNGLES" until they hang up or talk to me in Spanish"
maia martin (they/she) 4 years ago
the one i use is offering them everything. "i've been in an accident? oh no! do you want my credit card? the date on it? my social security number? what do you need?" they usually hang up
MistyCat 4 years ago
My dad once got scam called while home with me. He said, "Alright, please talk to my granddaughter about that" and gave me the phone. I led them on for 15 minutes talking about donuts in a fake British accent LMAOOOO
MistyCat 4 years ago
That's not even my best story. Once me and my sis were home alone, we got scam called and she put on Baby Shark and got them to sing along. I was in the next room laughing my butt off, when they got impatient she handed the phone to me and left. I made horrible moaning noises and heavy breathing and screamed "HARDER DADDY" multiple times...In the end it was 30 minutes of Baby Shark and 10 minutes of listening to fake sex noises. We laugh about it to this day...musta been interesting for that poor caller.
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Eunice Probert 4 years ago
I'm obviously missing a great opportunity. I usually just lecture them on how they are despicable, scamming innocent old people out of their money, and that their mothers would be deeply ashamed of them. Obviously I need to do some acting first.
Billy The Kid 4 years ago
"Hello sir, are you interested in shares?" me - " quite possibly. Go on im listening..." I then proceed to leave the phone on the side and leave them chatting for so long before they realize that im not listening!
Annie Persson 4 years ago
I love to be utterly dumb to scammers. I have nooooo clue whatsoever. About anything. You see, my husband used to do it all, but he recently left me for some smart bitca.. and I am ever so greatful for them calling to help me. Also I can't keep focus on any subject for more than five minutes. My record is over one hour with a microsoft-scammer. He was very helpful and patient but could not understand why I es unable to even find the windows-button on my (Apple) device.
Timmy Pillinger 4 years ago
On Linux following the windows scammers instructions to the letter...
Rae Reyn 4 years ago
Sometimes I hang up, Sometimes I let them start their pitch then ask if they "know how to get blood out of carpet. There's so much blood...I didn't expect that much." I also like to casually flip my balisong (butterfly knife) while talking to door-to-door scammers and Mormons. (Never Girl Scouts, though, they get full access to my bank account in excange for thin mints)
Little Dino 4 years ago
lmao i love this, i definitely recommend everyone to check out Mark Rober's videos on scammers (spoiler: glitter bombs!)
Kiera Winchester 4 years ago
I just read aloud Harry Potter books till they leave (most don’t) dunno why
Micah Pettit 4 years ago
All the ones I ever get are robocalls so I don't get to have fun like these folks do... /sadface
TheAnimalLady 4 years ago
Really?!? Crass humor is acceptable but calling people out for suggesting people do something illegal or hurtful to the innocent is grounds for meanness and censoring?!? Not cool BoredPandas. Think before you post.
Tim France 4 years ago
I like to 'convert' scammers... I ask them what country they are calling from. I tell them I love their country and its people. I tell them their people are honourable and kind and have a proud history. I tell them that they have a great telephone manner and could easily work for a legitimate company... I ask them if they like the people they work for and if they would like someone like them calling their, mother, grandfather, daughter etc. I encourage them to leave and work somewhere they can be proud to work... I have managed to convert two so far (I think) and am still in touch with one lovely guy in India who now has a real job!
Tim France 4 years ago
I enjoy trying to convert scammers... So, I ask them what country they're calling from. Tell them I love their country and their people. Tell them that I've heard they are a special country, full of people of honour, kindness and spirituality. I tell them they have a great telephone manner and could easily work in a legitimate company... I ask them if they would like someone like them calling their mother, or grandfather or daughter. Then I ask them if they like the people they work for... I have converted two people and am still in touch with one of them. A lovely guy, who left his scam job and now has a real job in India.
Eshaa Venkatesh 4 years ago
I pretended to be an old lady Indian farmer from the village and kept giving them the wrong card number. Then said I had mixed it up with my Adhaar card (ID) number. Then put them on hold for 10 mins as I needed to feed my cow first. Then came back and continued on for another 15 minutes rattling off random numbers I couldn't read due to my bad eyesight.
cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
I love phone scammers because I get to try out 'The Next Big Idea'. This involves me finding some way to either confuse, scare, upset or worry the scammer. Sometimes I score all states. Here are 4 of my favourite methods. 1- Pick up the phones and give a 2 second whistle and wait until some one starts talking then I play this video. It' scares them as they are not sure if they have accessed some government secret code and that they might get 'a visit' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnXPqUU6fI0&t=1s 2-Talk random chinese gibberish (make it sound as authentic as possible) 3-Slam my flat hand on a packet of crisps hard then drop a large empty cardboard box. Tested it on my brother (it was arranged) and he said it sounded like someone had commited suicide with a gun and the body dropped on the floor. Give 'em a go! It's so much fun! I'm waiting on another call so I can put the phone next to a marshall amp and rest an electric guitar against it at full volume. 4- Just keep asking "Why?"
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
I love the Russian Special Intelligence Branch: I’m going to use that one :)
Abigail Nagel 4 years ago (edited)
Next time I get a scam call, I’m gonna yell at the wall, “Dad! There’s some weirdo on the phone! I think he wants to talk to you about your police record!” Pause. “No I won’t tell them your drowning someone in the bathtub!” Goes back to phone. “Sorry, what did you say you were here for?” Either that out if they ask about phones, computers, cars, bank accounts etc, I’m just gonna tell them I don’t have whatever they’re asking about.
Bob Black 4 years ago
I acted stupid ( not a stretch for me it seems ) and when the caller told me my Windows was broken and he would help me fix it.. I replied .. I"m sorry but I don't think so, but I'll check, please hang on... After a minute I then said.. no all the windows in the house are fine, you must be mistaken.. Caller then spent a couple of minutes going back a forth try to explain he was talking about my computer windows.. not the house ones.. I said ok. .I'll check .. After another minute..I said Well you are definitley mistaken as my computer tower has not windows on either side... Another back and forth.. the caller then yelled at me to F off.. and hung up Haven't heard back from them..
... 4 years ago
Omg these are so funny that I wish some scammer would call me, 'cause I got some ideas! It reminded me of a sales call about 20 years ago. I was working hard for shitty money and life hadn't been easy for a while. Anyway, my phone rang and a very polite gentleman started selling me a series of fancy cookbooks. I let him talk and talk. Apparently you become a master chef with these magical books. 15 mins of sales pitch later he tells the price of the book series. It's worth my 3 months paycheck. That's when I lose it totally. I start to chuckle, giggle, howl and snort. I fall off the couch an am literally rolling on the floor chortling. This man - like I said he was vvveeerrryyy polite - is waiting and trying to say something calming. In the middle of my laughing fit I manage to say something like: "I'm just really happy I'm not so bad at cooking that I would need these books because then I'd be really screwed.".
Cordi Schmidt 4 years ago
I've never experienced a scam phone call so I am curious... How do you recognise when it's a scammer and when it's a legit call or so???
TheAnimalLady 4 years ago
You hit that nail on the head...hard! Because that is exactly the crux of the matter!!! Knowing if it's a scam. It's so much worse since covid-19 hit. Basically, if you don't know the person and are not expecting a call back from a business or something... it's probably a scam. Places like the Social Security Office DO NOT CALL YOU. Especially not to threaten you into sending money. But many claim to be from there because people are afraid of losing their income and rush to comply. Better to let them leave a message if you don't recognize the number. Then look up and call the number listed in the phone book for the business they claim to be calling from instead of any number they give you. Every time I've done this, the business had not tried to contact me. It was scammers.
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AlmightyOne 4 years ago
I'm not someone who usually gets scam calls but I think my response would be either: 1) incoherent screaming into my phone, 2) listing off random things. "The heart of a fetus! Nokea! Tampons! A nuke!"
Nica Van 4 years ago
Recently, the scammers had left a few v-m messages saying that if I didn't respond in 2r hours, they would send the police to arrest me. Next time they called, I decided to answer. When they started in on their script, I excitedly asked if they were going to take me to prison. They hung up.
Nica Van 4 years ago
But reading these others, I feel inspired to try this one next, regardless of their purpose, I think I'll just go ahead and use my own script as follows: I keep 30 cows in my home and their farms are more than enough to keep my home warm. The heat from their farts even heats the garage and the 10 metre radius around my home. I mean, I have to shovel about 100 kilos of cow manure from my home every day, but I've started bagging it and selling it to neighbours who use it to fertilise their gardens. So everyone wins. Also, my cows like to sleep next to me so I've removed all the walls in my home so that I can sleep with them...and my 18 dogs and 46 cats and 12 bunnies and 68 chickens and 8 sheep and 3 goats and 2 horses. I mean, I pretty much spend my waking hours shovelling all their s**t, but it's worth it because I never have to pay to heat my home!
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Commander OwO 4 years ago
Messing with scam callers are so darn fun, as long as you have a brain
Thenatural 4 years ago
'Hello sir,I'm calling about your recent accident' 'How could you know? It's only just happened' 'Can you give us some details sir?' 'Well ....thought it was a fart but I followed through....hello.....hello'
Carrie Roettger 4 years ago
My husband like to answer the phone like he's a spy in a bad movie with a random and weird coded message like "The octopus is in the glovebox". When the caller responds back he'll say something like "Nope sorry that's incorrect but thanks for playing here's a special gift" and hang up.
Load More Replies... Steve Barnett 4 years ago (edited)
Depends on what mood I'm in. "Trees don't like me, do they like you?" is usually a good opener, then just wander off in a vague, pretending, patronizing way.
MistyCat 4 years ago
BAHAHAHAHA i would've gone with "I like trains" then a whooshing noise and screams tho. LOL.
Load More Replies... Rissie 4 years ago (edited)
Never been so lucky to be called by an actual scammer. But I do find joy in messing with sales and retention calls. This one time someone from a company I used to work for and had just ended an internet subscription with, wanted to tell me about how they now offered fiber to the home. So I corrected her and told her it's at most fiber to the curb and how the signal quickly disintegrates during the final 100 meters of which fifty will be over a very old copper phoneline and how it will not get over 100 mbit so being the exact same speed as I already had. The long version of that. To end the story with a plain and simple statement how I'm moving and they don't serve that area. I like the silence on the other line it comes with.
Cassie 4 years ago
My son likes to get all excited about the extended car warranty scams and ask them if they're going to get his 69 VW Beetle back that went up in flames on his way to work one day. He'll even shout "Hallelujah!! I'm gettin' muh car back!! MA, I'm gettin' muh car back!!" XD
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I will time it if I can :-) ... We're over due for the "help our veterans/police/firemen" calls that are not associated with any legit such organizations whatsoever. What should I say? "Hmm, what a great idea! you know, if they sell Amway, they can make a lot of money and work from home!"....
Load More Replies... your_lesbian_friend 4 years ago
Great guy on Youtube you should check out if you enjoy stuff like this (scambaiting and scambusting) his name is Jim Browning and he is amazing at it! He hacks into the scammers computers and exposes them. 10/10 would reccomend :))
Melanie King 4 years ago
And there's this funny guy called kitboga, there's been a few BP articles about him but his videos are always funny
Load More Replies... Katrina B. 4 years ago
For those in the US, here's some knowledge and a tip. If it's a telemarketer, just hang up. But if it's a market researcher, let them finish their whole spiel and then ask to be put on their do not call list. They are required by law to do so. Market research and telemarketers are two different things.
Caroline Nagel 4 years ago
I once got called by an astrologer, in French - I live in Belgium. In my best French I told her that in my opinion astrology is a crock and she started arguing with me. So I firmly told her that 'l'astrology est une connerie' a few times (she kept talking over me) so she hung up wit a resounding 'MERDE'. Made my day, that!
Melissa Butler 4 years ago
My daughter says "Lucifer's Strip Club and Church. You got the horn's, we got the porns" in an accent of some sort
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I haer taht pause before there's a human voice and yell out (usually to an empty house), "Honey! Start the tracker!" It's utter nonsense, but OMG, so worth it for the peace and quiet for up to *weeks* :-)
Celena Camps 4 years ago
If someone comes to our door (ie later day saints etc). I tell them I’m Buddhist and it ends the conversation. It’s true and works well. Although I do love the shocked look on their faces ..
KombatBunni 4 years ago
My mother used to keep an old Scout whistle by the phone for spam or abusive callers, and those things are crazy loud. One blast of that in their ear and guaranteed they never call back!
Bob Black 4 years ago
I acted stupid ( not a stretch for me it seems ) and when the caller told me my Windows was broken and he would help me fix it.. I replied .. I"m sorry but I don't think so, but I'll check, please hang on... After a minute I then said.. no all the windows in the house are fine, you must be mistaken.. Caller then spent a couple of minutes going back a forth try to explain he was talking about my computer windows.. not the house ones.. I said ok. .I'll check .. After another minute..I said Well you are definitley mistaken as my computer tower has no windows on either side... Another back and forth.. the caller then yelled at me to F off.. and hung up Haven't heard back from them..
Niffler_13 4 years ago
The problem is that the scammers are getting more sophisticated. I got a call and the ID came up as Apple, Inc, saying there was an issue with my account. I called the number back and it was indeed Apple. They told me this is a major problem they have been dealing with and that they would never call if there was an issue with an account. Same with the IRS, they don't call you. Some are just ridiculous: I got a call from a UK number claiming to be the FBI.
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
All great fun and games, maybe when I'm retired... Now I just don't have the time. On YouTube (and live, if you remember such things pre-corona!) my favourite is James Veitch, who takes them on surreal trips.
OhBlahDi OhBlahDa 4 years ago
I love these!!! Fortunately I haven't received any scam calls but oh the telemarketers... I think I'll start with engaging the next telemarketer in a conversation about my lord and saviour!
Random Person 4 years ago
I can speak pretty good spanish, so I usually answer the phone in Spanish and scream "NO HABLO ÍNGLES" until they hang up or talk to me in Spanish"
maia martin (they/she) 4 years ago
the one i use is offering them everything. "i've been in an accident? oh no! do you want my credit card? the date on it? my social security number? what do you need?" they usually hang up
MistyCat 4 years ago
My dad once got scam called while home with me. He said, "Alright, please talk to my granddaughter about that" and gave me the phone. I led them on for 15 minutes talking about donuts in a fake British accent LMAOOOO
MistyCat 4 years ago
That's not even my best story. Once me and my sis were home alone, we got scam called and she put on Baby Shark and got them to sing along. I was in the next room laughing my butt off, when they got impatient she handed the phone to me and left. I made horrible moaning noises and heavy breathing and screamed "HARDER DADDY" multiple times...In the end it was 30 minutes of Baby Shark and 10 minutes of listening to fake sex noises. We laugh about it to this day...musta been interesting for that poor caller.
Load More Replies... Eunice Probert 4 years ago
I'm obviously missing a great opportunity. I usually just lecture them on how they are despicable, scamming innocent old people out of their money, and that their mothers would be deeply ashamed of them. Obviously I need to do some acting first.
Billy The Kid 4 years ago
"Hello sir, are you interested in shares?" me - " quite possibly. Go on im listening..." I then proceed to leave the phone on the side and leave them chatting for so long before they realize that im not listening!
Annie Persson 4 years ago
I love to be utterly dumb to scammers. I have nooooo clue whatsoever. About anything. You see, my husband used to do it all, but he recently left me for some smart bitca.. and I am ever so greatful for them calling to help me. Also I can't keep focus on any subject for more than five minutes. My record is over one hour with a microsoft-scammer. He was very helpful and patient but could not understand why I es unable to even find the windows-button on my (Apple) device.
Timmy Pillinger 4 years ago
On Linux following the windows scammers instructions to the letter...
Rae Reyn 4 years ago
Sometimes I hang up, Sometimes I let them start their pitch then ask if they "know how to get blood out of carpet. There's so much blood...I didn't expect that much." I also like to casually flip my balisong (butterfly knife) while talking to door-to-door scammers and Mormons. (Never Girl Scouts, though, they get full access to my bank account in excange for thin mints)
Little Dino 4 years ago
lmao i love this, i definitely recommend everyone to check out Mark Rober's videos on scammers (spoiler: glitter bombs!)
Kiera Winchester 4 years ago
I just read aloud Harry Potter books till they leave (most don’t) dunno why
Micah Pettit 4 years ago
All the ones I ever get are robocalls so I don't get to have fun like these folks do... /sadface
TheAnimalLady 4 years ago
Really?!? Crass humor is acceptable but calling people out for suggesting people do something illegal or hurtful to the innocent is grounds for meanness and censoring?!? Not cool BoredPandas. Think before you post.
Tim France 4 years ago
I like to 'convert' scammers... I ask them what country they are calling from. I tell them I love their country and its people. I tell them their people are honourable and kind and have a proud history. I tell them that they have a great telephone manner and could easily work for a legitimate company... I ask them if they like the people they work for and if they would like someone like them calling their, mother, grandfather, daughter etc. I encourage them to leave and work somewhere they can be proud to work... I have managed to convert two so far (I think) and am still in touch with one lovely guy in India who now has a real job!
Tim France 4 years ago
I enjoy trying to convert scammers... So, I ask them what country they're calling from. Tell them I love their country and their people. Tell them that I've heard they are a special country, full of people of honour, kindness and spirituality. I tell them they have a great telephone manner and could easily work in a legitimate company... I ask them if they would like someone like them calling their mother, or grandfather or daughter. Then I ask them if they like the people they work for... I have converted two people and am still in touch with one of them. A lovely guy, who left his scam job and now has a real job in India.
Eshaa Venkatesh 4 years ago
I pretended to be an old lady Indian farmer from the village and kept giving them the wrong card number. Then said I had mixed it up with my Adhaar card (ID) number. Then put them on hold for 10 mins as I needed to feed my cow first. Then came back and continued on for another 15 minutes rattling off random numbers I couldn't read due to my bad eyesight.
cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
I love phone scammers because I get to try out 'The Next Big Idea'. This involves me finding some way to either confuse, scare, upset or worry the scammer. Sometimes I score all states. Here are 4 of my favourite methods. 1- Pick up the phones and give a 2 second whistle and wait until some one starts talking then I play this video. It' scares them as they are not sure if they have accessed some government secret code and that they might get 'a visit' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnXPqUU6fI0&t=1s 2-Talk random chinese gibberish (make it sound as authentic as possible) 3-Slam my flat hand on a packet of crisps hard then drop a large empty cardboard box. Tested it on my brother (it was arranged) and he said it sounded like someone had commited suicide with a gun and the body dropped on the floor. Give 'em a go! It's so much fun! I'm waiting on another call so I can put the phone next to a marshall amp and rest an electric guitar against it at full volume. 4- Just keep asking "Why?"
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
I love the Russian Special Intelligence Branch: I’m going to use that one :)
Abigail Nagel 4 years ago (edited)
Next time I get a scam call, I’m gonna yell at the wall, “Dad! There’s some weirdo on the phone! I think he wants to talk to you about your police record!” Pause. “No I won’t tell them your drowning someone in the bathtub!” Goes back to phone. “Sorry, what did you say you were here for?” Either that out if they ask about phones, computers, cars, bank accounts etc, I’m just gonna tell them I don’t have whatever they’re asking about.
Bob Black 4 years ago
I acted stupid ( not a stretch for me it seems ) and when the caller told me my Windows was broken and he would help me fix it.. I replied .. I"m sorry but I don't think so, but I'll check, please hang on... After a minute I then said.. no all the windows in the house are fine, you must be mistaken.. Caller then spent a couple of minutes going back a forth try to explain he was talking about my computer windows.. not the house ones.. I said ok. .I'll check .. After another minute..I said Well you are definitley mistaken as my computer tower has not windows on either side... Another back and forth.. the caller then yelled at me to F off.. and hung up Haven't heard back from them..
... 4 years ago
Omg these are so funny that I wish some scammer would call me, 'cause I got some ideas! It reminded me of a sales call about 20 years ago. I was working hard for shitty money and life hadn't been easy for a while. Anyway, my phone rang and a very polite gentleman started selling me a series of fancy cookbooks. I let him talk and talk. Apparently you become a master chef with these magical books. 15 mins of sales pitch later he tells the price of the book series. It's worth my 3 months paycheck. That's when I lose it totally. I start to chuckle, giggle, howl and snort. I fall off the couch an am literally rolling on the floor chortling. This man - like I said he was vvveeerrryyy polite - is waiting and trying to say something calming. In the middle of my laughing fit I manage to say something like: "I'm just really happy I'm not so bad at cooking that I would need these books because then I'd be really screwed.".
Cordi Schmidt 4 years ago
I've never experienced a scam phone call so I am curious... How do you recognise when it's a scammer and when it's a legit call or so???
TheAnimalLady 4 years ago
You hit that nail on the head...hard! Because that is exactly the crux of the matter!!! Knowing if it's a scam. It's so much worse since covid-19 hit. Basically, if you don't know the person and are not expecting a call back from a business or something... it's probably a scam. Places like the Social Security Office DO NOT CALL YOU. Especially not to threaten you into sending money. But many claim to be from there because people are afraid of losing their income and rush to comply. Better to let them leave a message if you don't recognize the number. Then look up and call the number listed in the phone book for the business they claim to be calling from instead of any number they give you. Every time I've done this, the business had not tried to contact me. It was scammers.
Load More Replies... AlmightyOne 4 years ago
I'm not someone who usually gets scam calls but I think my response would be either: 1) incoherent screaming into my phone, 2) listing off random things. "The heart of a fetus! Nokea! Tampons! A nuke!"
Nica Van 4 years ago
Recently, the scammers had left a few v-m messages saying that if I didn't respond in 2r hours, they would send the police to arrest me. Next time they called, I decided to answer. When they started in on their script, I excitedly asked if they were going to take me to prison. They hung up.
Nica Van 4 years ago
But reading these others, I feel inspired to try this one next, regardless of their purpose, I think I'll just go ahead and use my own script as follows: I keep 30 cows in my home and their farms are more than enough to keep my home warm. The heat from their farts even heats the garage and the 10 metre radius around my home. I mean, I have to shovel about 100 kilos of cow manure from my home every day, but I've started bagging it and selling it to neighbours who use it to fertilise their gardens. So everyone wins. Also, my cows like to sleep next to me so I've removed all the walls in my home so that I can sleep with them...and my 18 dogs and 46 cats and 12 bunnies and 68 chickens and 8 sheep and 3 goats and 2 horses. I mean, I pretty much spend my waking hours shovelling all their s**t, but it's worth it because I never have to pay to heat my home!
Load More Replies... Commander OwO 4 years ago
Messing with scam callers are so darn fun, as long as you have a brain
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