Covid 19 Scam Caller Warning

[Big Bad Dad]

I rec'd this from a Police Officer friend on Facebook this morning. Not sure if it is legit yet, but something to think about....
>
Apparently, we need to prepare for these phone calls ...just in case
‘Good morning, According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.'
'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?'
'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.'
'Right. Um... so ....'
'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?'
'Ok (gives address)'
'Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalize this and send the kit to you.'
'Sorry - a payment card? I thought this was all free?'
'No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of $50 for the kit and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.'
'No - that's not right.
'I'm afraid it is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.'
Puts the phone down.
This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.”

 

[Ranger16]

I just need to take a payment card

Big red flag.
And my response would be, "I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information".

 

[Tony Tee]

I rec'd this from a Police Officer friend on Facebook this morning. Not sure if it is legit yet, but something to think about....
>
Apparently, we need to prepare for these phone calls ...just in case
‘Good morning, According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.'
'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?'
'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.'
'Right. Um... so ....'
'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?'
'Ok (gives address)'
'Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalize this and send the kit to you.'
'Sorry - a payment card? I thought this was all free?'
'No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of $50 for the kit and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.'
'No - that's not right.
'I'm afraid it is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.'
Puts the phone down.
This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.”

And these people call you even if your phone number is listed on the federal do not call list. So I don't answer any calls . If it's important , they will leave a message . And they don't. ......

 

[Slap Stick]

Hmm...name? Local chief of police.
Address? Local PD.
Credit card #?
Test card #. Its bogus, we used them to test point of sale software at work.

 

[Cranky]

Can always use your X's credit car number

 

[Cranky]

Can always use your X's credit card number

 

[RM23M9A]

Best reply Ive ever used when I was a cop:
"Excuse me, how do you know Mr. W?, (arguing insues), sir/ma'am I need to know HOW you KNEW Mr.W, (yelling over shoulder at fake crime scene investigators) Be SURE YOU DUST THE DOORKNOBS, Hey! Don't MOVE AYTHING, I need flags on those shell casings!
Ok, sir, Ma'am, I need your name so I can contact YOU! How DID you know Mr.W"?! (They hang up, assuming they've just called a Homicide scene, works every time....

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Tom Mabe routine.

 

[gkent]

Best reply Ive ever used when I was a cop:
"Excuse me, how do you know Mr. W?, (arguing insues), sir/ma'am I need to know HOW you KNEW Mr.W, (yelling over shoulder at fake crime scene investigators) Be SURE YOU DUST THE DOORKNOBS, Hey! Don't MOVE AYTHING, I need flags on those shell casings!
Ok, sir, Ma'am, I need your name so I can contact YOU! How DID you know Mr.W"?! (They hang up, assuming they've just called a Homicide scene, works every time....

Hardly original !!

 

[kiwigtx]

SCAM

If they have your phone number and the call is legit, and they know who you are supposed to be....they SHOULD have your address and home location.

Asking for your best mailing address is just fishing (phishing) for your details.

SCAM

 

[Xp29h]

Scam for sure!

 

[Budnicks]

Yep they pray on the old & stupid 1st...

thanks for the heads up

 

[GetX'd]

Is there no end of of the stuff? This kind of thing is especially targeted toward seniors who are already afraid. I’d like to get my hands on some of these scammers...

 

[kiwigtx]

I was home about 5 minutes this afternoon, and my landline rang. I saw the big long International number but picked up anyway - get the pre-recorded message saying it was "SPARK - our local telephone company" trying to get in touch with us. They have our email address, and we are on account, so we get notices through email or on our emailed Bill each month. SCAM. I hung up.

For a change it wasn't an Indian voice trying to get me to check my vindows. They were shut anyway, just like the front door.

 

[BLK 68 R/T]