I had a ripoff call...

[Archae]

My machine took it, but it was a robocall from Green Bay supposedly, saying due to non-payment of my electric bill, my power was going to be shut off in a half-hour.

It's been 45 minutes, and my power is still on.

I did call the actual number of the local power company, they had no orders to shut off my power.

The robocall demanded I push 1 to speak to a "representative."

Anyone else get any calls like this?

[Siwsan]

1. I've gotten the one about threatening to suspend my SSN, both on my land line and cell phone

It's been a while since I've gotten the energy bill one.

[ret5hd]

2. If you are bored and easily amused...

take the call. Act befuddled, slow, confused. They will direct you to go to the store and buy a pre-paid card…they used to be called GreenDot or something like that. Agree to do so. They might even want to stay on the phone with you while you “drive”…have trouble finding your keys, ooops!…someone has blocked your driveway…oh, there they are! Oh no! The store you wanted to go to is vacant now!!!What to do??? Maybe the store on the other side of town is still open…oh no, there’s a wreck ahead and traffic is all backed up…what to do???

Much fun to be had if you have the inclination.

[Archae]

8. A friend of mine has his own method for dealing with robocalls.

He gets an actual human on the line and then he talks really dirty.

They hang up rather quickly.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

3. In the UK, too

I’ve been here 4 years. I keep getting calls that my National Insurance Number has been linked to criminal activity and that my arrest is imminent unless I press 1 and speak to a representative.

I didn’t have a National insurance number until July of this year. (not to be confused with National Health Service number. 2 separate things).

[Tetrachloride]

4. Never answer unknown calls at home from outside your city

1. Keep your doors deadbolted, including the garage door.
2. Unknown calls might be from a car outside your door or from around the world.
3. Any weakness will be exploited. My housemate thought he was smart enough. I saved him thousands of dollars in all probability.

[LakeArenal]

5. Mr Lake got the weirdest call of all....

His email accounts would be frozen by the FBI for “distributing child pornography”.
To wire them $500 immediately to close the matter.

WTH? FBI always gives a heads up when they want to arrest you, right?

Anyway we reported them.

[DenaliDemocrat]

6. My favorite is when they want to update my Medicare

Which I am too young to collect. I still lead them in though. I figure every minute I keep them tied up is a minute they are NOT scamming some older person

[demigoddess]

7. all the time!

[mitch96]

9. I love it when I get calls for Kira.......my dog!!nt