A scam phone calls and emails discussion.

[3141]

In the last four weeks or so I've received many emails purporting to be from McAfee telling me that my antivirus software is about to expire or has expired, my device is at risk, and so on. McAfee came with the computer when I bought it nine years ago but when it expired I acquired a different protection package. They offer huge discounts, even up to 90%, to renew. Obviously a scam. But there can be half a dozen of these a day. I'm hoping that they may realise they aren't getting anywhere and stop trying.

 

[John Webb]

Had a rare spam call on my mobile a couple of days ago claiming I'd made an enquiry about claiming compensation for misleading diesel engine information. Knew my name and my car details. I hadn't made any such enquiry and told him this in strong terms before ending the call.

 

[AM9]

Had a rare spam call on my mobile a couple of days ago claiming I'd made an enquiry about claiming compensation for misleading diesel engine information. Knew my name and my car details. I hadn't made any such enquiry and told him this in strong terms before ending the call.

I rarely have the time or inclination, but really every person who receives unsolicited calls from an organisation that you haven't had dealings with should interrrogate their source of your number. If they can't give a satisfactory* answer, then caution them that they are breaching the Data Protection Act 2018, and will be reported to the Information Commisioner's office. Also request that your details are removed from their records. Most of them get out of your hair then, but even if it didn't warn them it would waste their time!

* random or progressive dialling is illegal, purchased lists of details where consent is expressly given is illegal, historical records , - e.g. where you might have ordered something from them some time ago is subject to GDPR restrictions.

 

[bearhugger]

I rarely have the time or inclination, but really every person who receives unsolicited calls from an organisation that you haven't had dealings with should interrrogate their source of your number. If they can't give a satisfactory* answer, then caution them that they are breaching the Data Protection Act 2018, and will be reported to the Information Commisioner's office. Also request that your details are removed from their records. Most of them get out of your hair then, but even if it didn't warn them it would waste their time!

* random or progressive dialling is illegal, purchased lists of details where consent is expressly given is illegal, historical records , - e.g. where you might have ordered something from them some time ago is subject to GDPR restrictions.

I have asked a few times where the caller has got my number from. Usually they are evasive but one person said Google! They went on to say that when you agree to Google's T&Cs that you apparently agree to them selling you data on to selected partners.

 

[d9009alycidon]

Just when I thought that the old Nigerian Prince emails were a thing of the past, I got this yesterday. Has to be a scam, I mean who has a fax machine these days

Dear Friend,

Let me start by introducing myself, I am Mr. Michel Madi Manager of Bank of Africa Burkina Faso.
I am writing you this letter based on the latest development at my Department which I will like to bring to your personal edification. (7.5 million U.S Dollars transfer claims). This is a legitimate transaction and I agreed to offer you 40% of this Money as my foreign partner after confirmation of the fund in your bank account, if you are interested, get back to me with the following

Details below
(1)Your age........
(2)Your occupation.....
(3)Your marital status.....
(4)Your full residential address.......
(5)Your private phone and fax number and your complete name.......

 

[najaB]

Has to be a scam, I mean who has a fax machine these days

They're still common in the less-developed world.

 

[OhNoAPacer]

Many years ago I received the 'noticed a problem with your Microsoft account' scam call. I think I managed to string them along for 30 minutes by playing the naive and inexperienced computer user, just as they thought I was about to give them the bank details they were after I thanked them for their enjoyable scam phone call.

It has been a while since I received any scam calls or emails, or is that statement tempting fate!

 

[Lloyds siding]

I rarely have the time or inclination, but really every person who receives unsolicited calls from an organisation that you haven't had dealings with should interrrogate their source of your number. If they can't give a satisfactory* answer, then caution them that they are breaching the Data Protection Act 2018, and will be reported to the Information Commisioner's office. Also request that your details are removed from their records. Most of them get out of your hair then, but even if it didn't warn them it would waste their time!

* random or progressive dialling is illegal, purchased lists of details where consent is expressly given is illegal, historical records , - e.g. where you might have ordered something from them some time ago is subject to GDPR restrictions.

It's only illegal if they are trying to sell you something. If you ask to be 'removed from their records' what happens is that you are added to a database of people who don't want to be called.

 

[AM9]

It's only illegal if they are trying to sell you something. If you ask to be 'removed from their records' what happens is that you are added to a database of people who don't want to be called.

... or just ignored and continue to be pestered.