Beware -another scam Ebay call - but not automated, a real person.

[rosalux444]

I just received a call supposedly from Ebay. The woman said that a $500 gift card had been purchased in California - was this me and when was the last time I used Ebay (said I didn't remember and have been overseas for a month anyway). She gave me her supposed ebay ID and the call came from a mobile number. She said someone was using my account fraudulently,  she didn't want my personal details but she seemed to be leading to something about providing me with a pin to stop the payment. I saw red flags (like a reverse payment that scammers use on Facebook) and said I didn't trust her so hung up. But she rang me back straight away still trying to convince me (desparate or what?!). I have no suspicious transactions on either my bank accounts or ebay. But am really jacked off she had my phone number and other people might fall for this as you are speaking to a real person.

[domino-710]

She doesn't have your phone number only - she has everyone's - they are computer generated.

Don't worry - just don't answer or hang up immediately.

[paper-jack]

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@domino-710 wrote:
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Don't worry - just don't answer or hang up immediately.

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I recently ignored several calls from a number I was sure was not legit. They/their AI just kept ringing. So I answered  - real person on the line, rabbiting on about internet access problems - I was ready for this and said, well managed to shout over him so he'd listen, " Thank you for letting me know, I'm really busy right now so I'll ring my internet provider when I have time". That number hasn't rung me again.

And as for offers to change light  bulbs, test my power usage, install draught excluders etc etc- I just tell them I have already accepted the offer from another company.

These tactics are for when I'm in a good mood, other wise hanging up or suggesting a place the caller could go to, then hanging up, is employed.

[countessalmirena]

I don’t play with these people… It’s a quick identify-scam or identify-cold-call process, then I simply say “No. Goodbye”. Nothing else.

The days of saying we have no internet or computer are gone. No information at all is the best response.

[twyngwyn]

lol..... if I answer I say "Salisbury Police Station, how can I help you?"......click

[lets_just_buy]

Now mid 2024 and I received a very similar phone call. I only answered as it came up as a nearby city number. Very similar to above, had I just purchased a gift card for $299 from California. Reassured me they didn't want any personal details. He wanted me to talk me through how to cancel it. I hung up at this stage because eBay sends out alerts to me whenever I buy or sell something. 
Would like to know how this scam works for them. ? have me log into a web site that installs malware on my phone? Anyone know how this scam works?

[sandypebbles]

Because too many people do what the scammer tells them to do

That is all they need for it to 'work'

Any details, confirmation of who the person they are calling is, confirmation the person they are calling are happy to give ANY details/information/press buttons/play along with scammers etc 

Every breadcrumb gives them power

[countessalmirena]

Don’t engage.

Leave the working out to scambusters with IT qualifications.

In the earlier days of these scams, I’d have a bit of fun with them… but they are so prolific now (and the criminals behind them can decide to target people out of spite) that it isn’t worth it. Recognise it as a scam = hang up.

One clue re how the cancellation scam works … a so-called secure server, an apparent refund, gift cards to repay the “overpayment”.

One moment’s thought should give a potential victim the knowledge that cancelling a fraudulent charge is as simple as phoning your bank using the number on your card and reporting it.