topic Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed? in Community Spirit

Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

the_bob_delusion — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:27:12 GMT

How did they do it?

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

gutterpunkz05 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:30:17 GMT

Yes,

How did they do it? You have got to be joking

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

the_bob_delusion — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:44:26 GMT

@gutterpunkz05 wrote:
Yes,

How did they do it? You have got to be joking

I'm genuinely curious. Might help others from being scammed as well.

I bought a gift card a few years ago. I was being super careful to make sure I checked the credit and get their driver's licence. Credit on the gift card checked out.

He probably bought the cards via a stolen credit card and quickly sold the cards. Credit card company probably found out and contact the vendor who then cancel the credit on the gift card.

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

davewil1964 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:12:59 GMT

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

davidc4430 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:13:03 GMT

when i was a teenager in the 70's i was permed, crazy days huh

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

countessalmirena — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 14:26:46 GMT

It has been tried, but to date I have not fallen for a scam.

I usually ignore scamming attempts, but sometimes I allow my naughty quizzical inner self to take the upper hand and roll out the scenario like thin pasta sheets through my Marcato Atlas 150 in red.

One of my favourites was the time that I was phoned by someone using the old solar rebate patter. I replied that I was the Managing Director of Something Something Solar Energy Australia, and that I was directly responsible for the criteria for solar rebates. I asked for the Something-or-other number which (I said) all rebate offers must include in their contact with all household members. I asked for the person's name and said that they'd be in [something or other] department, and that their failure to follow the protocol I'd set out would result in that department head being mightily chastised.

The scammer was amused and even got a bit cheeky, asking if I were single.

I replied with huge outrage. "That is incredibly inappropriate! None of our staff are permitted to speak with any attempt at cozening or flirtation; that is grounds for an immediate ducking in the solar-panel-heated pool."

The scenario became even more ridiculous; I finished by saying something along the lines of "Of course you'd be aware that I know this is a scam call. I'm now going to hang up." I did hang up. I blocked the number, of course, and was somewhat annoyed at myself for having engaged. The best thing to do is, of course, ignore. Say nothing, hang up, block.

Oh well.

Fortunately I did not get any follow-up calls as a result. I'm no James Veitch and I have no ducks.

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

joztamps — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:40:35 GMT

I have several times been scammed into reading really really dumb threads

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

springyzone — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:24:59 GMT

Not personally but I do remember one attempt at a scam many years ago (well before the internet and all these phone scam attempts that seem never ending). I think I maninly remember because of the smooth way my father handled it.

I was a teenager about to buy my first car, a little second hand Morris.

Dad was with me and we got the price down a little bit and the car salesman offered us a further $40 off when my father pointed out the rego was due to expire in a month.

As we sat down to sign the forms, the man had not deducted the extra $40 and when my father questioned that, the salesman said to contact him when the rego was due and they would pay $40 towards it. I immediately felt scam but also felt a bit embarrassed to say anything.

Dad stepped in and asked for it in writing, whereupon the man seemed shocked and replied that he was a man of his word.

I'll never forget dad's reply. "Oh I don't doubt that for a moment but this is a business transaction so it is best to conduct it in a business like manner."

The man said not a problem, then seemed to have a brain wave-maybe it would be easier if he just took the $40 off there and then from the sales price as it would stop us having to come in a month later. We agreed that was a more convenient solution.

Re: Monday Pondering: Have you ever been Scammed?

lyhargr_0 — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 01:08:21 GMT

Nup, never have enough $$$$