atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums General Telecom News Spammers target cellphone users

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse!
Story here.

I've gotten hit with this a couple of times. First I had to cancel all text messaging on my phones because I kept getting spam (in Spanish, no less!)

Last week I got 3 calls in 2 days from "Government Grants". A heavy accent (Filipino? East Asian?) asks for "John" and says he is entitled to "Government Grants". No number comes up on the Caller ID.

I'm not sure how I can stop that one.

Sam

Wait! I just got another call from "Government Grants" This time the CID showed 777-777-7777. After I hung up on them I called Verizon - Can I block them? No. Can I block anyone who calls without a valid number? No. Can I find the calling number of these thieves? Yes. I have to go to my local Police Precinct, have them file a letter of harassment with Verizon's legal department and then eventually Vz will release the calling number (probably in India). I can imagine the roar of laughter if I approached NY's Finest with this one.

Never Mind. I'm assuming these guys are all wearing headsets. I'm going to get a whistle and next time they call I'm going to blow real loud into the xmitter.

Wishing them a nice day and many headaches.

Repeat as needed.

Sam

Yep, same here. Been happening for over a year now.
We have a tech that has a company cellphone that is continually getting spam calls.
But none of the rest of us on the same account does.

I keep getting spam texts, it started about a month ago. I called Nextel and ATT wireless, both have blocked the originating domains.

Find a good person at customer service and they'll help you out.

I added a another line install to our business, and within days it lights up with phone call from every company your could think of, trying to sell us stuff. But I love the ones that start off with...May I speak to the person who is responsible for your xyz in your company. Then I asked them why they didn't know who right person was, and if they even knew what company they were calling, and they said NO. And then she has the brass to ask me our company name..I said ..In your dreams. And hung up.

Then I get another call, and this time..darn it I am getting sick of this. So they ask the same stupid question. Then i just put them on eternal hold, and in seconds they go away.

I remember hearing this recording of a telemarketer getting asked a bunch of really personal questions and they started getting really
nervous and hung up. Fight fire with fire, I guess.

Just some fun thoughts

Hey, Telemarketers are people too. You guys should listen to everything they have to say patiently, just like you would want them to do to you.

Geez, some people can be so insensitive.

[/end sarcasm]

Lately, I've taken some cuesfrom Howard Stern's folks, and use my telephone recording/playback interface to play soundbites from Full Metal Jacket...

"May I speak to the person who handles you phone service?"

"What's your name $@umbag!?"

"Excuse me?"

"I like you, hell you could come over and #^@* my sister....."

-click-

I don't know about other states but he in NY you can register on a DON'T CALL LIST over the web. I did it and I don't get any calls anymore.

We just had text messaging removed from our account because one of our guys kept getting messages all day. What the hell is it good for anyway? No reason for it! Grrrr.

-Hal