We’ve all gotten that phone call from someone a little fishy. Someone who may not sound like they’d be your next door neighbor perhaps. They start saying something about your car warranty, or insurance but something feels a bit off. Ever had one of those calls? They come in all forms. Calls, as well as emails and even direct messages on social media such as facebook and instagram.
Today’s story is a cautionary tale. Don’t ever give any of your personal information away over the phone or via email/web forms that isn’t an organization you are familiar with. Look for the https:// at the top right of your browser, and make sure it says ‘secure’ and has the right website url. Most importantly, listen to your gut. I literally had someone try to scam me on facebook yesterday and they are unaware that I know what they are.
The call comes in to police captain Ann Stephens in Apex, North Carolina. The call starts with a man asking..
“Can you verify me your home address?”
To which she responds..
“No I will not.”
The scammer didn’t know he was calling a police officer. The police officer continues..
“No, I will not give you my address. If you have a file on me you should know what my address is.”
The scammer doubles down harder..
“Ms. Stephens, you need to understand one thing over here. That I’m trying to cooperate with you and even you need to cooperate with me.” Pressing in on her to try to evoke an answer to continue his scam.
“Please send me your mailing address.”
Ann then proceeds with “My current address is 205 Saunders St. in Apex, North Carolina.”
The scammer then proceeds to press for the last 4 digits of her social security number as Ann shakes her head in a big way saying Noooooo! Do not do that. Subtly instructing the viewers on the camera.
She then says “I’m not going to confirm my social security number with you.”
Scammer: “Ms. Stephens, I’m not asking to confirm your social security number.”
“What I’m asking you, to verify the last 4 digits of your social security number.”
He then lies and says that her social security number was used in an elaborate scheme to commit fraud of more than $10 million. Clearly a lie, something a man would not call you out of the blue about. You’d be getting a visit from federal agents, legal documents in the mail. Something far more real than this!
Watch the entire video and scheme on video here:
I think if your SSN was used for money laundering, drug trafficking and IRS scams you would know about it from someone much more real than a man calling you with a foreign accent. Remember to never give your social security, home address or any personal details away over the phone unless it is to your own financial or legal institutions that you have a working relationship with.
Ohh, and cheers to having fun pranking phone scammers when they do call!
