Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Almost fell for it...

Watch out for the scammers- Almost got taken in by a nearly convincing Amazon Prime scam today: automated call querying a large sum purchase, followed by invitation to press 1 if you didn't make the purchase. I did, and was put through to a convincing call centre, and told I was being connected to the secure server to make a refund claim. I even fell for the "load this remote controller app from the Amazon secure server" trick. Fortunately realised my mistake before inputting personal data. I'm checking and changing my passwords, and putting 2 factor authentication on everything. I used to think that was a bit of a p.i.t.a, but not now! Hope no one else gets caught.

The buggers are getting very clever at these scams.

Hello?

Hello?

Am I speaking to the householder, Mr Smith

Yes, you are.

Hello Mr Smith.

Hello, how can I help you?

Mr Smith, I’m from the Government Energy Agency. I understand that you have recently had new insulation installed.

Yes?

Mr Smith, I’m ringing to tell you that there is a problem with this insulation. Your home is at great risk of condensation and damp.

Oh dear, that sounds bad.

Yes, Mr Smith. Don’t worry though. We are able to help you.

Oh, I see. It is a worry though. Can you tell me more?

Well, Mr Smith, we can address this worry. A recent government survey has shown up a problem in current fibre wool loft insulation. These have been contaminated in the manufacturing process, with glass fibres particles and collections of pathogens that can damage the lungs of those individuals living in the house. This a definite health hazard. We have been commissioned to survey recent installations and advice the householder if they have this problem and how can it be remedied.

I’m sorry, its not a very good line - could you repeat that last bit?

I’m telling you, Mr Sinclar, there’s a health hazard in your house. The loft insulation needs to he checked. It’s full of germs and other nasty stuff, the glass fibre can get into your lungs. We work with the Goverment to provide service to come and assess the problem.

Gosh, that sounds awful. I’ve six young children in the house - I feel really anxious about them now.

We can arrange a survey at your convenience Mr Smith.

Oh I see. And you say you are government recommended.

Absolutely Mr Jones

That sounds good. Particularly if the government has actually got a grip and is trying to fix the problem.

Yes, Mr Smith. We currently have inspectors in your area this week? When would be a good time to come and do the survey? Would Thursday morning be convenient?

Is there any charge for this service?

No, Mr Smith, as I said we are working with the government on this.

So if you find a problem, will you be able to replace the insulation?

Yes, we have a fully qualified team of installation engineers. Our surveyor will be able to explain all this to you. Shall I say 10am on Thursday? We would recommend that you replace the faulting insulation with a better solution - we spray foam insulation into the loft space. This has great benefits of much improved thermal dependency and heat speciosity - is totally safe and highly suitable for families with young children. And we can offer a complete package of cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. This will result in fantastic savings for your central heating.

And will all this be funded by the government?

Ah, there could be a small charge, Mr Smith, if you choose to go for the full cost reduced package. Our surveyor will be able to explain all the options. I’ve booked him in for Thursday morning then. Can we go ahead then?
[
Yes, that sounds really good, but I have one more question….

Yes, go ahead.
[
[Can I speak to your mother?

Pardon me?

I’d like to speak to your mother.

Why do you want to speak to my mother?

I just wondered if she knew what you do for a living and if she was proud of you?

This is nothing to do with my mother.

I know that if my mother had spent 20 years scrimping and saving, sacrificing her life, to bring me up proper and I had turned into expletive deleted scammer like you then she would be turning in her grave.

Click.

​

After all the isolation of the last year, it’s nice when people ring you up to have a chat.

In days gone by Footpads and other scallywags could be seen, heard, bashed and even smelt and so we had, literally, a fighting chance of escape. Nowadays, they mug us from Russia and India leveraging our trust and sometimes our own stupidity. It's like living in the Middle Ages when wealth could be snatched away with out any recourse. I'm looking forward to the time when the Internet is considered 'not worth It'.

I had one of these calls this morning, but didn't manage to keep him chatting aimlessly as well as you did.

100% agree, so annoying when people from the other side of the world try to rip you off like a pick pocket would in the past but get a lot more than just the cash in your pocket.

The Internet is worth it just for Talk Morgan.

There is a simple safety precaution for any such calls. Put the phone down and then if you are in doubt, log on directly yourself. Never ever use any links

I know Howard, and I've told others the same myself; I can only put it down to tiredness and current work pressure (rather than old age I hope!). Clearly I'm on a list now, as I had the same call this morning- and put the phone down!

I have had this one a while back and hung up, next time I'll string them along for a while just for you..

Today I had a call. 01202 number, Bournemouth apparently. Guy didn’t have time to say anything cos I just sent him on his way.

But, more seriously, I need a whip round from everybody otherwise I’m in trouble big time!

Tonight I have received a badly typed email originated with a non UK keyboard. Apparently, my email account has been hacked and at sometime in the last month I have pressed a link which has enabled every single device I own to have its internet browsing recorded.

Horror of horrors they know that when I disappear for an hour or two on the pretence of fettling my little car I have actually been browsing porn sites and abusing myself (so that’s why I’m deaf). The secrets out and they are quite prepared to send a montage of content to everyone i have ever contacted of the sites I have used. But, most kindly, they will do nothing if I send them $1678.

I haven’t got $1678 so please help me. They will accept bitcoins.

…………….

Pathetic isn’t, but apparently more than a few people have fallen foul of these b*******.

So, have a laugh but continue to be vigilant