So I got a call on my cell phone at about 8:30 last night night. "Caller ID Blocked"
I expected it to be my uncle, as he's pretty much the only person who calls me regularly and has his caller id blocked.
So I answer, expecting it to be him, and instead I'm greeted with a very thick african/middle eastern/indian accent telling me that he's from the government grant information center.
I quckly told him that he was calling a cell phone, this usually gets rid of the solicitors, but not him, he just kept on going. So I asked him how he got my number, he says something on the order of "I'm calling from the government grant information center, you file taxes right? " "Yes" "That's how we got your number".
I don't list my cell phone number on my taxes.
He then goes on to tell me that I've qualified for an $8,000 grant.
"Wow" I think, "I never even applied for a grant" I kept my mouth shut though, and let him keep on going.
He said that all I needed to do was to fill out and sign some paperwork and they'd send me the grant. Being the easily amused type, I generally just go along with these people until it gets to the part where they want my money, then tell them no thanks.
I was just getting ready to be asked for my address, when instead he asked me who my bank was. I'm somewhat surprised, but I tell him one of the banks that I do business with. He then asks if I know my account numbers...
hullo, what's all 'dis 'den?
I tell him I don't know my numbers, and don't have my checkbook with me. Could he give me *his* number and I'll call back? No, apparantly that won't work.
So it looks like I ran afoul of an honest to god con-scheme.
How fun!
I told him to call me tomorrow (today) and I'd have the info. I'm going to see what I can do with this.
The sad part is, there are people who are going to fall for this guy.
I expected it to be my uncle, as he's pretty much the only person who calls me regularly and has his caller id blocked.
So I answer, expecting it to be him, and instead I'm greeted with a very thick african/middle eastern/indian accent telling me that he's from the government grant information center.
I quckly told him that he was calling a cell phone, this usually gets rid of the solicitors, but not him, he just kept on going. So I asked him how he got my number, he says something on the order of "I'm calling from the government grant information center, you file taxes right? " "Yes" "That's how we got your number".
I don't list my cell phone number on my taxes.
He then goes on to tell me that I've qualified for an $8,000 grant.
"Wow" I think, "I never even applied for a grant" I kept my mouth shut though, and let him keep on going.
He said that all I needed to do was to fill out and sign some paperwork and they'd send me the grant. Being the easily amused type, I generally just go along with these people until it gets to the part where they want my money, then tell them no thanks.
I was just getting ready to be asked for my address, when instead he asked me who my bank was. I'm somewhat surprised, but I tell him one of the banks that I do business with. He then asks if I know my account numbers...
hullo, what's all 'dis 'den?
I tell him I don't know my numbers, and don't have my checkbook with me. Could he give me *his* number and I'll call back? No, apparantly that won't work.
So it looks like I ran afoul of an honest to god con-scheme.
How fun!
I told him to call me tomorrow (today) and I'd have the info. I'm going to see what I can do with this.
The sad part is, there are people who are going to fall for this guy.
VIEW 5 of 5 COMMENTS
Dont fall for the scam! Ya know... I can't even think of a reason why you would need a grant.