![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-871030-100x100.png\")
I got a car last August, my first car ever. I got these calls a LOT on my home phone (thankfully never my cell phone), and have for years. Weirdly, now that I have a car, I can't remember the last time I got a call about this!
I got a car last August, my first car ever. I got these calls a LOT on my home phone (thankfully never my cell phone), and have for years. Weirdly, now that I have a car, I can't remember the last time I got a call about this!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-184636-100x100.png\")
I get them several times weekly and don't own a vehicle. I get similar calls about my mortgage that doesn't exist. No idea where from.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-623704-100x100.png\")
@Ratty: I don't have a car and get these calls sometimes.
I wonder if these calls have anything to do with the advertisements that come in the mail \"warning\" you about your car warranty expiring. I get those a lot.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-103034-100x100.png\")
Yep, I live in NYC and I get these calls 3-4 times a month on my cell. It's hella annoying.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/css/images/default.gif\")
@hypnotik_jello: I also get them fairly often, and it's really, really pissing me off. I thought it was illegal to market to cellular phones?!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-108612-100x100.png\")
@hypnotik_jello: Same here. Got woken up by another one this morning, after not hearing from them for a while. I filed a complaint with the FTC the first time it happened several months ago. No response.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-122843-100x100.png\")
I refuse to believe that these people can 'spoof their calls' sufficiently well that major networks/carriers can't find out who they are.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-86968-100x100.png\")
@InThrees: They probably can be tracked, but not without considerable cost. The carriers get tagalong data with an inbound call, but to go beyond taking that data at face value requires either a computer on the inside of the other company, or a phone call by a human being.
Since the NSA isn't going to use their illegal wiretapping stuff to track down telemarketers, the only other way costs a few bucks per call to track down, which isn't worth it really.
@huadpe: Why don't people just play along long until they can find out who is selling these warranties then use that to help everyone go after them?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-538684-100x100.png\")
@bohemian: I followed their instructions and waited until I was talking to a live person and then I just yelled at the top of my voice into the phone for most of a minute until they hung up. No call back, no charge.
@bohemian: Phone tech here. It should be relatively easy to find out who is behind the spoofing at the carrier level. This is because when the caller id info is sent, also a CHARGE/Billing number is sent with each call. You cannot spoof your billing number as companies need to be able to charge you for long distance calls.
@jozhua: How would the carrier know? I'd imagine the activity of whoever this is would appear like many call centers'. Once you get into digital phone lines and wholesale termination, CallerID is easily spoofed. For my office's phone system I can change the outgoing CallerID right from this laptop. Want to be calling from the White House? A few lines changed in my config files and you're good to go.
I'm also wondering if someplace like this is even operating on US soil. Once you're off US soil it'd be difficult for the US to do much about stopping you from calling.
Another thing to think about is that the scammer might not actually be using phone lines which belong to them. There's been multiple recent reports of people's PBXs becoming compromised and outbound trunks being abused. Even automated script bots running now looking to compromise PBXs. Seems like the perfect way to scam to me. No overhead, plenty of ways to hide your identity.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1673-100x100.png\")
@InThrees: Sadly it's true. We really need to crack down on number spoofing and caller ID spoofing as a whole. Until we can do that, and block the use of 'hide caller id', we will never be free from blind oppression of robodialers. The robot uprising is HERE AND NOW! AND GREED IS THEIR MASTER!!! *cue Terminator theme*
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-428486-100x100.png\")
I have received 4 of those calls this week alone. Two on my work phone, and two on my cell.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-270824-100x100.png\")
\"and the government doesn't seem to care\"- no big surprise there.
@ThinkerTDM: Yeah, but I'll bet if you mentioned \"Osama Bin Laden\" and \"blowing stuff up\" on the phone, you'd have the NSA at your front door in 5 minutes.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-101046-100x100.png\")
@JollyJumjuck: Put down your keyboard. We know where you are. We are on our way to interr...err...talk with you. :)
---your friends at Fatherland...err...Homeland Security.
Couldn't someone find out what company it is by feigning interest and asking what company is providing the warranty? Or if that doesn't work, some government investigator could go ahead and sign up and see who charges the credit card...
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-298363-100x100.png\")
@Canino: If you ask who they are, they hang up on you. You're right that you'd probably have to follow the money to find out who they are.
I told them once that I'm on the DNC list and they responded by calling me an a$$hole and hanging up.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-837501-100x100.png\")
@Canino: I've tried playing along for a bit. If you ask too soon, they just hang up. One time, I went along with it and got transferred to some guy, and dragged it out 10-15 minutes to really get his appetite going -- he gave me some fake company name that didn't match any records, and so I pretended that there was an emergency and I'd need to call back. He gave me a callback number that didn't go to him, so it was a complete dead end.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-483565-100x100.png\")
@Canino: I think this is like trying to find out who's behind your Nigerian fortune offer by signing up to accept their money. There is no company or service. They're not sleazy marketers, they're crooks. They have no more interest in the Do Not Call list than a burglar does.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-106827-100x100.png\")
I get these calls as well. Don't know who is behind them, but it seems like they come in waves. I will go a few months without getting any calls at all and then I get 2-3 within a week of each other.
And no, I do not even own a car. Heck, I don't think I even have any valid warranties right now. Least effective scam ever.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-348183-100x100.png\")
I just got one of these calls to my work phone about 15 minutes ago. I listened to it completely for the first time, and there was a \"press 2 to be taken off the list\", which I'm sure will be just as effective as any other \"opt-out\" selection...
I also get robo-calls about diabetic supplies. But I'm not a diabetic....yet.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-329214-100x100.png\")
@bogartbrown: I kept getting these calls months ago and I pressed 2 to be taken off the list and they haven't called back. Or maybe its just a pleasant cowinkydink!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-4471-100x100.png\")
I keep getting these on my cell phone, the last time I waited till I got a human on the line and went through asking them to remove my number from their calling list. When I finished the rep screamed NO in my ear and hung up on me. I snickered.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-213239-100x100.png\")
I get these on my office phone about twice a day. I also get those calls where it is just a loud fax tone about 5 times a day. Everytime any of them happen I write down the number, and no one seems to be able to trace these numbers. The closest I've come is found the carrier, and I called them to complain, and even they say they cannot do anything about it. Wtf.
They are super easy to trace with a little know how. Don't tell me that nobody knows. If the appropriate people need help, please contact me with an offer. And yes I am currently very employed.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-706988-100x100.png\")
@ExcelsiorDDZ: This is the funniest post I've read on this site all week.
I know things......big thing!!!! How much is it worth to you? A million? Perhaps a trillion???
Can you also cure hemorrhoids for um.. my cousin?
@ExcelsiorDDZ:
I have an offer for you. I won't punch you in your acne geek face if you stop being a prick.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-116400-100x100.png\")
@ExcelsiorDDZ: Why don't you stop attempting to be an Intarweb Know-It-All Too-Awesome-For-You guy and let the rest of us in on who they are and how to stop them?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-16563-100x100.png\")
@howie_in_az: Because his mom just grounded him for downloading too much porn (yes, paid, and yes, he lives in Utah).
Oh, and I've also complained to the BBB and state attorney generals office. To no avail.
I think I get at least two of these a DAY on my home phone. I've been fortunate enough not to get them on my cell (knock on wood), but I've heard several people comment that they get these calls on their cells. I don't waste money on caller ID at home since only my parents are supposed to know that emergency number, so unfortunately I don't even have a spoofed number to research.
I get a call from these schmucks one or twice a week on my home phone. Worst part it, they've been doing it for over 8 months... I've gone from annoyance, anger, and now I just don't care. Every time I hit '1' for an agent nobody picks up....
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-109901-100x100.png\")
YES, FINALLY. I get about 4 - 10 of these calls a week, but they aren't merely for the car warranty. I get the car warranty one, one for switching to some satelite dish, another one for home telephone, and then finally, the newest one, is a recurring call about getting health care. These are ALL in the same format and they're all running the same scams, none of them are legitimate companies.
Every time they call, I press \"2\" to remove myself from their list, yet they never do, I usually get another call one or two days later. Pressing \"2\" actually hangs up the phone IMMEDIATELY, without anything else. I've tried being connected to a rep and asking them to remove me and they say they will, and they never do. I've tried to speak to another person, a higher up, but they don't exist. Often times, when you connect to a rep and ask to be disconnected, they instantly hang up on you. They call at all hours of the day, as early as 7:00am EST, as late as 11:30PM, EST.
I have recorded every number that has called me and I file regular exhaustive complaints with the FCC, but nothing has been or, seemingly, can be done. I don't know what to do to stop getting these phone calls... and, not surprisingly, I just got one while in the middle of writing this post -- no lie, the number: 416-523-1121, this one saying that it was a \"public service announcement letting me know about health care alternatives for low income,\" blah blah.
I've given up trying to stop these. But I'm glad that someone else has the same problem, just to be in my boat.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-25741-100x100.png\")
@jamar0303: Not necessarily. All sorts of tricks can be done using voip (phone calls routed over the internet). My caller ID when using that is of a UK number I purchased, so outbound calls from my home Asterisk PBX go out with a UK phone number. Loads of fun, and I assure you I'm not paying international rates.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-325573-100x100.png\")
Looks I'm in the minority. Never have gotten a call like this, and I'm on my third car in 6 years. Just bought a newer one, 05 Grand Am GT. I get mail about the warranty expiring but no calls.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-308510-100x100.png\")
@bigmil87:
Where as I'm the exact opposite.
I don't even own a car and I get the calls.
And I'm in Canada!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-270939-100x100.png\")
I heard of this site that you can go to put in the phone number of your mortal enemies and they will get hell telemarketers calling them.
I used to get robo-calls about my car warrenty too, but they've stopped for some reason. Now I get calls about reducing my credit card debt (don't have any) and reducing my mortage (I rent). I once followed through with a call to see where it came from but was obviously a call center in India.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-349596-100x100.png\")
@sharki3232: The car warranty ones stopped about 4 months ago when I really lit a fire under their asses... now I get the \"This is an important message regarding your current credit card accounts...\"
cccclliiicckkk.
I get them at least twice a week. I google the numbers and sometimes they give listings for real people in places like Chicago. I always save the number on my phone as Don't Answer, or Don't Bother, or SPAM so I know not to answer it. I've begun just not answering unfamiliar numbers at all.
I got 2 of these, the most recent one I actually hit 1 to speak with a representative. The call went as follows;
Agent X: Hi there, I just have a few questions before I transfer you to a sales rep.
Me: Actually, before you do, I have a few questions, how do you know anything about my warranty?
Agent X: This is for an extended warranty.
Me: Yes, I understand, but who are you and how did you get my number, let alone know anything about my vehicle?
Agent X: If you would like to stop receiving these calls visit \"inaudible\".
I was then hungup on.....pricks.
we are getting these calls everyday or so! very annoyng, as they eat minutes too!
ive worked for many a telemarketing company back in the day (yes i regret it and used to lose sleep over it) but let me just say from personal experience that the do not call list is a joke to them. the do not call list only manners to reputable companies and they would not do this kind of crap in the first place. I worked for a company called assail that would pretty much just load the phone book into there dialer
i meant matters lol
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-240645-100x100.png\")
Huh, the timing on these calls and my warranty expiring on my car must just be coincidence.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-212669-100x100.png\")
We used to get these calls all the time at work, until we threated to talk to the Attorney General about it, then they mysteriously stopped.
I wish there was a way to make my cell phone NOT RING
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-280375-100x100.png\")
@shoelace414: Put it on vibrate? Or silent?
Though I guess that doesn't help much if there are calls that you actually, you know, *want* to answer.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-211423-100x100.png\")
I've gotten 3 of them just today...it is so annoying!
Darn, I wish there was a way to make my cell phone NOT RING if the phone number is either private or not in my contacts. short of giving every contact a ringtone.
Ya know, gang, precious few comments that I've ever seen posted all over the Internet about this kind of stuff ever mentions that they (y'all?) have ever reported it to some enforcement agency.
I understand the skepticism about the FCC, BBB, etc, etc. But c'mon. If you don't report it, you can't lay the blame entirely at their feet. And I really DO think - as naive as this may sound to some - that there *IS* a point where the shear number of complaints *CAN* get the issue on the appropriate radar screens.
@Chantillian: I have reported these calls. The various agencies will not act without either a valid company name, phone number, or address which you cannot get from the telemarketer. If you ask for any of that info, they supply fake info or hang up.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6798-100x100.png\")
@Chantillian: The ones I get are all from offshore numbers, so I'm pretty sure those agencies don't have any jurisdiction.
@Chantillian:
I agree with you that the volume of complaints can reach critical mass. I was called only once on my home phone, and I did report it to the Indiana \"Do Not Call\" website. The state didn't reply, but neither did this annoying telemarketing company call me back, so I didn't pursue it any further.
It's a drop in the bucket, but enough drops can overflow the bucket.
Large corporations, like AT&T, filing suit will get the job done much more quickly.
I spoke with a representative when they called my work line and asked to be taken off the list. he just said ok and hung up, haven't gotten any since, at least on that line
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-474181-100x100.png\")
I just started getting them today...ugh.
@ Chantillian
I have reported it to all of those agencies, plus my state attorney generals office, and the one of Texas (where I traced some of these calls to).
Nothing happens.
I get these all the time. After several attempts at telling them to remove me from their lists with no success other than to get hung up on, I finally played along.
They offer 7 year extended warranties for something like $2,400. They have various payment schedules you can get and I asked them to take me through them all. Then I asked all sorts of questions all geared to making them think I was genuinely interested but had trouble figuring out which plan to go with. The guy put his \"boss\" on the phone (classic sales tactic) to close the sale. As part of that conversation I said I don't understand because my car is certified pre-owned which covers 6yrs and 100k miles so this seems overkill. He then asked me why I'm on the phone with them and interested in an extended warranty. That's when I said because they continuously waste my time and annoy me I figured it was time to turn it back on them. He got moderately mad said \"that's ok\" and hung up. That was my mistake. Next time when, I have an hour to spare, I'm going to take it as far as I can get and try to find out who and where the company is.
I suggest more people try this - there's is a numbers game where they try and get as many people to sign up as possible in as short a time as possible. If their reps spend longer times on the phone with unsuccessful results it'll become less profitable, if not unprofitable, for them and maybe they'll stop.
Lord knows we can't rely on the government for help They're too busy on drunken spending sprees.
@Scott4: this is the best idea out there. I did the same thing yesterday...strung the guy along and told him I needed to get my credit card to make the purchase and then hung up. If they waste hundreds of hours on the phone with smart people like us (fellow consumerist readers) maybe they will go out of business!
I always talk to the nice people about how awesome their timing is, since my car just broke down, or some other story about the six cars I have, and which one are they calling about, and they always hang up on me. I always feel so rejected.
I got these a few times. I ended trying to talk to someone and I asked what car they were talking about. They said something to the effect of \"a car purchased between 1995 and 2008\"
Me: \"I have three, which one are you asking about.\"
Them: \"Well if you give me the VIN number I'll let you talk to a warranty specialist\"
Me: \"You called me and you can't tell me which car you are referring to?\"
I get these around the start of the month then they quit but come right back at the start of a new month. Very annoying.
These same people have 2 differnet ROBO-Recordings... one is the warranty expiration, and the other is \"third and final attempt to reach you to prevent your Visa/Mastercard interest rate from increasing\". The voice, format, and hustle are all the same. they call me every day from different phone numbers, always from Florida. They will hang up on you, either immediately for no reason, or once they determine that you're not falling for it. Sometimes they talk sh!t before hanging up.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-333203-100x100.png\")
I used to get these calls a lot. I eventually decided to actually talk to the people and ask them who they work for.
When asked who the caller worked for, she told me Coca-Cola eventually. When asked to speak to her supervisor, she said she was the one in charge. So asked her if there was no one higher than her, she said yes.
In the end I was talking to the CEO of Coca-Cola trying to sell me Dish Network.
Trying to be logical with the call reps does not work, but wasting their time and money via a concerted effort might just have an impact.
Here's what I do:
Them: What make an model please?
Me: 2003 Manigula
Them: A..what, acura?
Me: a 2003 Phrenbarbu
Them: An, Isuzu?
Me: No a 2004 Blanardo
At this point they usually have to go retreive some book or other reference to start looking things up. Then I usually lose interest and hang up.
I NEVER make the calls short and cost effective for them.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-453882-100x100.png\")
@robdew2: I've started to do that too, if I have time. I'll just sit and play videogames and see how long I can keep them on the line.
@robdew2: My brother kept giving these guys a fake VIN number. He pretended to go out to the garage to read the number off the car. The scammer kept trying to describe where on the car the VIN sticker was, and I have no idea how much longer he could have kept the poor sucker on the line if he hadn't heard me laughing in the background.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-143777-100x100.png\")
I get them 2 or 3 times a day.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-449801-100x100.png\")
I get these calls on my cellphone, but I just figured it was because I just bought a used car with a limited warranty that has since expired. I'd thought the calls were from that warranty company.
I can add carpet & upholstery cleaning to the list of \"services\" offered. I get the warranty calls as well.
The only good thing is that they only call my home number and never seem to \"leave a message\" so at least my answering machine isn't clogged with this nonsense. So I really only know that they exist when I'm home sick from work. (No evening calls.)
When my boyfriend was filling out the paperwork for his new car, the dealer mentioned something about how they would not be selling his number to telemarketers unlike other dealerships, so he wouldn't have to worry about getting \"those annoying car warranty calls.\"
So I was always under the impression that after you bought a car, the dealer would sell your number to these places. I got a couple after I bought my car, but I haven't had one in a while.
I get a call like this every once in a while. But I end up waiting for a rep and say that I'm with some government agency. I get hung up on all the time. I just don't get it!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-18077-100x100.png\")
I used to get these calls all the time on my work cell phone. I've changed jobs so I no longer need to worry about that.
Best way I've found to get them to stop calling is to press \"1\" to indicate interest. They almost instantly transfer you to a person. I ignore what they're saying and start asking them if they enjoy making their money stealing from people, asking them if it feels good to steal money from old people, if they like frightening people for a living. Then I hang up.
*raises hand*
Another person getting the calls and mystified as to why. I don't own a car, because I don't know how to drive. My husband has one, but it's totally in his name and they didn't take any of my information when he bought it. Strangely, he doesn't get the calls...but I do! If it was both of us, I'd just assume the dealership sold our info and perhaps somehow linked up our numbers (on the same phone plan), which is creepy, but reasonable...but he doesn't get the calls.
So weird.
I hope this gets unraveled as quickly as the iPhone-stealing douche mystery did--that was a Consumerist record! :)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-212769-100x100.png\")
Do not listen to the pusher robot
He is malfunctioning
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-16098-100x100.png\")
Yes, I've received these calls. I got one that said it was about to expire. Then another that said it was a \"second notice.\"
They really annoy me because we switched to pre-paid/pay-as-you-go accounts (to the tune of saving about $400.00/year) and every time they call me it COSTS ME $0.10 a minute.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-605002-100x100.png\")
Not news: I got one of these calls at work. News: Caller identified herself as Kim Porter, Columbus GA native and mother of music producer Dallas Austin's children. Consumerist: My boss went to high school with the real Kim Porter and he got on the phone with her. . Haven't Dallas and his family suffered enough? I mean Real Ho'wives of Atlanta Cougar Zolciak and all...(and NONE of them live IN Atlanta - just to clear that up)
The last time I got one of these calls (over a year ago), the caller ID info actually (I don't recall exactly) 11 or 12 numbers! When I tried to file the FCC complaint, I couldn't even report the actual number from the caller id, since they only had a field that accepted a 10 digit number!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-210047-100x100.png\")
I get 3 of these a week on my phone, at least.
They call my office - a law office - several times a week on average. Earlier this week, the receptionist did hit some key to be removed from the list, so we'll see if that works. Otherwise I've volunteered to do my scary act if they call when I'm available.
Now if we could just figure out who's trying to fax to our phone number...
Oh, also, I've gotten a call on my cell phone, and I've never bought a car from anything other than a person and guard that number fairly zealously, so I've no clue how they're getting numbers. Maybe they're just calling every permutation.
@Wit: er, that should've been \"I've never bought a car from anyone other than a person in my immediate family and...\"
I used to get these calls several times a day to my cell phone. That number was only given to one business, the car dealer in San Antonio that I bought my last car from (I'm looking at you, San Antonio Toyota, and your promise never to sell or give away my information).
One day, I talked a little slow, not way slow, but slower than normal conversation. I spoke clearly and informed them I needed to get that warranty renewed right away, but only on the car they were calling about. You know, strung them along as far as they would go. Gave them all the information they asked for (none of it right). When it was time to sign up, I told them they could just mail me the contract so I could review it, and they refused. I said I wouldn't agree to anything I couldn't see in writing. Never got a call again after that. Since then, I've been plotting how I can make the call last longer and how I can try to get some more information out of them, and while I have a few ideas, I've no way to try them.
The way I see it is this: 5 minutes out of my life may suck, but 5 minutes times all the people they call would be catastrophic for their call center personnel.
I'm glad you guys wrote about this. I actually got one of these calls about an hour ago. I don't own a car, so of course, it's completely ineffective. Is there an easy way to record a call on a G1? I should get a human next time and act all snarky or some such.
I was in a country where using my cell phone costs $2.50/minute. I was expecting just one important call on it, and when it rang, it was one of these robocalls. I was livid!
hehe...I was close to sending you all a tip about this the other day, after I had received 4 calls in as many days on both my cell phones. I did manage to talk to a human being...I sort of had it in mind to just answer Yes to everything, but I wussed out and blurted out that I didn't have a car the moment a real person picked up. They promptly hung up.
Whatever robo-dialer they use seems to be pretty advanced, it manages to leave me voicemails most of the time - haven't encountered other robo-dialers that do.
There really needs to be a Do Not Call for cell phones
@Dan King: You can sign your cell phone number up on the federal DNC list, not that scammers give a damn.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-70279-100x100.png\")
An expensive way would be for someone to step up and accept the services, and then find out where the money is going. You know? Start with someone who regularly receives these calls, and go from there.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-41318-100x100.png\")
Teh Pusher Robot tells LIES! Do not trust it. I am the shover Robot. I speak only truth.
Is there a set of stairs in your house?
this happens to me at least once a month. the first time i got it i was very nervous, as i do have a car (purchased used). i ended up googling the number, and saw 1) that it belonged to a woman in maryland, and 2) that there were a bunch of web pages dedicated to this very same number because people were getting the same calls.
i guess this is the newest form of phishing, and just like when the emails first started a few years ago, i can't help but think that the people that fall into the trap that don't have a car deserve what they get...
I have had them call. I have multiple cars, so I was asking what car the warranty was expiring for?? One car is a 08 and the other is a 96, so one still has a factory warranty, and the other one hasn't had a warranty for over 10 years. They could never tell me what car the warranty was expiring for. I even told them the make/model of the cars and they still couldn't tell me. Then the last guy I talked to said that I was just messing with him, and he was going to make my life hell by calling and hanging up on me every hour. I haven't heard back from him and that was a couple of months ago. I did find a interesting pint that the state (atleast in MN) will sell your personal info. I know it was the DMV since they are the only people that I deal with that screw up the spelling on my last name. Might be part of the reason they don't really care.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-373669-100x100.png\")
No, Shoving is the answer! Do not trust the pusher robot, he is malfunctioning!
Telephone numbers:
609-662-3250
541-683-5282
I started a new job in May 08 and got these calls on my work phone every day for the first week. One day I listened through and heard the option to be removed from the list. I hit the appropriate button and never heard from them again.
I always thought it had something to do with someone having had the phone number before me...
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-789978-100x100.png\")
I used to get those a few times a week... My last phone I had I started getting the \"Fraudulent activity occurred!\" text messages too, which are REALLY annoying because they would come in the middle of the night. quick Google search proved they were fake, but there was nothing I could do about them. Thankfully, my contract ended with Sprint and I got a new phone number from Verizon, which has been blessedly silent of phishing calls/texts for the past 3 weeks.
I get these a couple times a week on my voicemail, always with an automated message that starts halfway through: \"...if you still haven't renewed your warranty, it's not too late!\" etc. etc.
It tends to be from the 510 area code for me, or somewhere in California.
I get those on my cell too. I punch 1 and wait to speak to someone then when they answer, I yell at the top of my lungs F&*k you assh*%es! and hang up.
It's the only thing I feel I can do to annoy them back.
I got one of these calls just as I was reading this article.
I wonder if anyone's ever tried setting up a honeypot bank account to deal with scammers like these or if such an idea would even be feasible. You could set up an account with one dollar in it and have to flagged so that any attempts to access would provide an alert to the financial institution and law enforcement. It's the same idea as a honeypot server, basically.
I just find it hard to imagine that the source of these calls are unknown given the frequency of these calls in my office.
I got these constantly from an outfit that identified itself as \"The Warranty Division\". Pressing 1 didn't always lead to a person.
Once, I fed them some rope with a fake model number, etc... soon I was transfered to a second number, where a much nicer person started talking to me, and gave me an address of
Auto One Warranty Specialists
310 Commerce Street
Irving CO
and a phone number
800-499-4116.
I then told them of why I was pissed off, and the person speaing sounded apalled, as if this was clearly not how they liked doing business. After hanging up, I called the 800 number back to see if it was legit, and got passed on to a supervisor named Brad (extension 363) who also apologized, claiming that this was probably from one of their dealers and that this was not their MO.
Clearly, there are threads that suggest this was a) not just them and b) not really truthful outrage.
There are two very informative articles:
one from News Durham Region.com:
\"National Dealers Warranty Inc., a marketing company operating out of St. Louis, Mo., runs the warranty operation and its telemarketing workers use various names such as Canadian Auto Warranty Services and World Wide Warranties Inc. when calling consumers.\"
And a Canadian prosecutor who is trying to shut them down.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-174344-100x100.png\")
What happens if you are interested? Do they try to get your information and credit card number or can you get more information about their company, like say to send a check?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-371038-100x100.png\")
I used to get these. I pressed 1 to speak to an operator and politely asked them to stop calling, and they did.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-369596-100x100.png\")
I used to get a lot. Like 3-4 per week. But they were frequently from the same numbers. After reporting a couple of the numbers to the FCC (via their handy online form here), the calls ceased for several months. I have recently started getting more from the same credit card consolidation thing someone else mentioned. I have only gotten 2 or 3 of those in the last six weeks, though.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-804913-100x100.png\")
Boyfriend gets these once a week or so.
I never get them. Always thought it was because I'm on the Do Not Call list, and he's not.
Guess that's not the case... I wonder what is.
I have long wondered where these calls were coming from. It's vaguely assuring to know that nobody else knows, either.
Now if you could get the Red Cross to stop asking me for my blood, that would be great. They call me like once a week, and not always from the same number, either. Don't they know that a human can only give blood once every 6 weeks or whatever?
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-186504-100x100.png\")
I used to get them at home, then I started getting them at work. I made a HUGE fuss the last time I got one at work.
When I asked for a physical address so I could report them to my AG, the guy said: We are not allowed to give out that information for security reasons.
I said: Security? I guess having the state troopers knocking on your doors with C&D letters would tend to be disruptive.
I kept asking for information, stating I was documenting this for my AG. Guess what? Not another call from them.
I actually did talk with someone from the AG office about this, and they say they are probably off shore or out of state, which means the AG office can't do much about it, nor is it a high priority since you can just hang up.
Its not just cellular phones either, or the USA - I'm Canadian and I have no car and they call me a few times a month on my landline.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-469860-100x100.png\")
I get these randomly. It used to only happen when I was just at home, but now they call my cell phone. It's to the point that within like three words of the call I know what they're calling for so I yell some version of the word \"no\" (robots can't be offended right?) and hang up.
I've tried everything I can think of to get a real answer from these people and from reading the comments, nobody has any better luck than I. So I think I'm just going to buy an airhorn and blast it into the mouthpiece when a live person comes on.
I keep a very loud whistle by my phone, and when I'm bored (usually use caller ID and ignore numbers I don't know) I'll pick up a call, its usually one of these, I'll let them get me a person, then I blow the whistle loudly in the phone. Doesn't stop the calls, but sure makes me feel better.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-255368-100x100.png\")
I got a few for a while, but I don't anymore. I talked to the rep, asking them for which car they were talking about. Of course, he needed that first, but I insisted they already had that info \"in my file\". Of course, he \"didn't have my file\", so I asked for someone who did. A few times I went round-and-round with these guys for sometimes up to 20 minutes.
They don't call me anymore.
The WORST thing you can do with these guys is to talk to them. Never tell them you aren't interested or give them a clear opening to hang up. Humans are their limiting resource - waste it.
Yeah, I get about 1 to 2 calls a week, usually around 8:00pm-9:00pm at night with the same robo call. I live in Northern Virginia and I get my home phone from Cox cable. At first I thought it was a phone call for the person who used to have the phone number, but after about the 25th time they called, I figured I've been robocalled. It's annoying as hell.
I don't get them on my cellphone. But I do get at least 3-4 a day on my home phone. They don't leave a message on the machine though, they just hang up once the machine kicks in. Been like that for a year now, and about 6 months ago I just completely stopped answering the home phone when I'm home.
After a little digging, I this is the company:
[www.nationalwarrantydivision.com]
And thisis their phone # (in case anyone wants to call them a bunch of lengthy questions):866-232-0022
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-541944-100x100.png\")
I got a call from : 702-520-9149 about two weeks ago and put a stop to it. I reverse searched on Google and it came back with the usual complaints like this, but I did find a site that gives the company in charge of the number. It turns out that they use a company called TM Caller ID which provides numbers to call centers for caller id. I emailed their abuse department and have not heard from the caller since.
It appears though that they are using many different numbers to list in the caller ID.
You can go to [www.callercomplaints.com] for some good info on the same company that is doing the warranty scam.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-2944-100x100.png\")
The first time this happened to me I asked them which car they were calling about and they said, \"Which car do you want to enroll?\" I told them to remove me. Then they kept calling so I asked them to remove me again, and asked what the name of the company was. He said \"John MacEnroe\" something or other. I said \"Like the tennis player?\" \"yes, ma'am\" and that was it.
I just got another cell phone for work and get these calls on the new phone now. Very irritating.
It happen to me all the time so what I did the other day when they called me, I ask for his name and scream \"you know what Dave?, FUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKK YOOOOOUUUUUUUU\"!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-690585-100x100.png\")
I am so going to go into phone porn mode if I ever get one of these calls.
\"ooooh, yeah...there...a little lower...oh, oh, aiiiyeeee!\"
Should make for winning entertainment here in my boring little life.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-626910-100x100.png\")
I only started to get these calls about a month after I bought a new car. Not a used one, as I have had many used cars in my day, either from private sellers, or dealerships. Perhaps it's some sort of \"dealership selling info\" scam?
Asking my salesperson that sold me the car about them, he told me to ignore them, not sure if he is aware because of other people he sold cars to complaining, or if he is getting them himself.
But, yeah, I get these calls about 1-2x a week. Regardless of me telling one of the rep's to remove my information from their database, and I am still getting the calls.
I work for a telecom company, so hopefully, I can get one of the numbers, and look up information on it while I am at work.
my dad bought a new car less than 2 years ago and he gets these calls all the time. they are always \"unknown caller\"
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-376077-100x100.png\")
I'm attending these all-day seminars with a bunch of high-powered bankers, and business leaders who all get phone calls and have to check their blackberries a jillion times a day.
Me? I get two calls. One from my husband and the other from these jokers.
I hate it when fake people call my phone. Like talking to hubby, though.
I get these every once in a while. Maybe I should keep an air horn around and blast it into the phone once I connect to a rep, so they can get a glimpse of how annoying they are.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-498940-100x100.png\")
I get these calls regularly. Caller ID is obviously spoofed. Which makes me wonder...if you *57 the call to trace/trap it with the phone co., does that see through the spoofing? Probably not as they're almost assuredly on VOIP. If it doesn't it, it should. I'm thinking of domestic violence or stalking cases.
i just dont answer numbers that I dont have programed in my phone.
Wow, it is odd that I saw this today on Consumerist.
I just filed complaints on the FCC and Do-not-call websites on this company...though I doubt it will do any good.
The number that called me is: 909-650-9148
They are based in San Bernardino, CA
They use Digitcom Services, Inc. for their phone service
That is all the information I could find without paying.
909-650-9148
I haven't gotten any on my cell, but at work and at home I have to delete messages from these jokers about every other day. That, aaand some damn mortgage company talking about the home I DON'T own.
just got this call 2 hours ago. 973-989-5654
Sorry for multiple comments, hit enter too early.
One of their numbers: 909-650-9148 is ran though Digitcom services who has a look-up abusive phone numbers on their system.
That resulted in the following:
Information Found for 909-650-9148
Customer Owned DID's
Number 909-650-9148 is being used by Telephone Management
EMAIL: dnc@tmcallerid.com
PHONE: 866-225-1956
FAX: 503-296-2500
That company looks to be the ones who provide the false caller ID info, and ironically \"Compliance with the do-not-call list\" which I am on.
I have submitted a complaint on their website also.
So the next time someone receives a call from these guys, agree to buy whatever it is they want to sell, and give them a virtual credit card number with a $1 limit. The larger charge will be declined, but the bank will then have a record of who tried to charge the account.
Fight back the only way we can... WAIST their time, press the button to speak to a rep and ask all the questions that you can. I time myself to see if I can break my record on keeping them on the phone. So far my best is 4 min.
These people are super annoying... I've gotten a few calls on my cell phone and so has my mother. Too bad my car is 15 years old and I'm pretty sure there isn't a warranty on it. I just hang up on the losers.
Yes there is a way to make your cell phone not ring, depending on your phone. Create a user that says something like \"Bad People\" and then enter the number of the caller you do not want to talk to. Set the ring tone to none. The call will not ring and then go to voice mail. This will only work if the people calling you use the same number.
If I had all the time in the world maybe but they call me on my cell phone while I'm at work. I receive a lot of calls as a tech so a lot of numbers don't come up in my caller ID with names. I have both my land line and my cell phone on the Do Not Call list so I've filed a couple of complaints with the FCC about this so I'm still waiting.
I stopped to get an operator one time and asked \"What company are you calling from?\" and the confused person on the phone replied \"Warranty Help Desk\" so I said \"Thanks! Now I have a name to give to the FCC!\" and hung up.
I got such a call recently too.
The number was clearly spoofed because it had too many digits. (of the form: 1-XXX-AAA-BBBBB).
The recording started off about my car-warranty was about to expire. To talk to an agent, press 1.
I reached the agent, and the first question was \"Whats the make and year of your vehicle?\", I responded with, \"If you don't know what car I have, how do you know my warranty is up?\". That promptly got me hung-up on.
This is what is happening to me on my home phone.
Caller Type: Telemarketer
Phone Number Report: Trace back goes to - Debra Emanuel 3250 Oak Ave Miami, FL 33133 (305) 441-5947
Spoke to Bellsouth. Transfered to ATT.
Confirmed that the number is a robot.
They know who it is, but won't give out details.
Spoke to Verizon, (my carrier). Said that the Feds were looking into this.
Launched FTC complaint.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-179225-100x100.png\")
I get these calls on my cell the time from varying numbers from all over the country. I would appreciate advice on shutting them down and getting off their list.
I don't get these at all... but then, my phone number appears to have belonged to at least thirty different people and businesses in the past ten years, so maybe these folks are just too confused to call me.
Same thing happens to me all the time
The most annoying thing is when they call you in the middle of the night telling you \"your cars warranty is about to expire\" I don't give a sh*t.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-453252-100x100.png\")
They've called my house a lot. They always sound like they know about your car and situation. I call them on it, they will always hang up, but at least you can call them an asshole first.
I signed up and paid for the extended warranty in hopes that it would end the countless calls, but I still receive them
I feel taken...real bad =/
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-151293-100x100.png\")
Essentially, a few upstart scam artists started rolling out this whole car warranty scam a few years ago. Now that it's been around for a bit, more scammers are hopping on the band wagon, turning it into an epidemic.
Not only do I get phone calls, I keep getting solicitations in the mail for extended car warranties. I got some telling me my warranty was about to expire, explaining how urgent it was that I extend now before it's too late, only weeks after buying my brand new car that came with a 10-year warranty.
Wait through the robo part to engage a real person. Feign interest and then put the phone down to ask your wife/girlfriend/boyfriend whatever about it. The point is to keep them on the phone as long as possible. This increases average call time, and is the only way to actually hurt them. Especially if a lot of people do it. This is spam and fighting spam is about raising the transaction costs for the spammer.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-159466-100x100.png\")
It seems to me like it's actually impossible to even get them to scam you. Everytime I've tried to talk to them they immediately hang up on me when I say I'm interested but want more information. Kind of pointless?
@Veeber: I tried the \"Which car?\" game with one guy, and he said he couldn't tell me for \"security reasons.\" Try and figure the logic on that one.
In relation to my above post, question for all of you: did you or anyone you know actually get to the point where you were scammed? Did you even get to the point where they ask for billing info? I've seriously tried every lie I can think of and they always hang up.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-136660-100x100.png\")
Add me to the list of people getting annoying phone calls. I get them in waves as well. One month I'll have a few of the car warranty ones in back to back days, the next month nothing.
AT&T is obviously not being honest when they say that they can't trace the calls. It's probably a subsidiary of theirs.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-108103-100x100.png\")
This has been going on in Canada for the last few months now:
Despite the fact that we have a legislated national \"do-not-call\" list, these telemarketers are circumventing Canadian regulations by moving their operation to the States.
I've been getting calls on my cellphone almost every damn day now (despite not owning a car.) The companies use fake numbers, so you can't call them back.
I live in Canada, and my mother and I are getting these calls at least 2-3 times a week, they always seem to leave voicemail, but by the time it gets to the VM the message has already been playing for a few seconds. It's quite annoying, especially when the calls are long distance, thank god for Caller ID though, I ignore them now.
I get these same calls too. I tried to call back, but no one answered, so weird. Weird thing is I never give out my cellphone number for anything really.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-59988-100x100.png\")
I got one of these and promptly interrupted the guy (yes there was a human on the other end) and informed him that this was a cellphone number, I don't have a prior business relationship with your company, do not call this number ever again, and remove this number from your list.
I got some other call from somewhere in Utah, but I don't know if it was for a warranty since it was in Spanish and I don't know what \"car warranty\" in Spanish is...
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-883061-100x100.png\")
I get these calls on my cell several times a day. Fortunately they are always from an area code I don't know anyone in, and they always have \"000\" as the 3 digits after the area code (and the last 4 digits always vary). So when I see its that area code + 000 + whatever calling I hit ignore.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-113596-100x100.png\")
Yep. Got em' too. Please Consumerist-- save us from these people!
The Robo has found my PRIVATE work number. Private, meaning ONLY immediate family has the number and the line does not go through the switchboard or staff.
I am getting really pissed answering the Private phone while worrying about the wife/daughter having a problem needing immediate action and getting robo talking.
I suspect the main robo has dialed every possible number and determined the active voice lines. IF I am correct, this means cells and other unlisted numbers are not safe.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-171970-100x100.png\")
@Corporate-Shill: best explanation i've seen yet. what joy. what fun.
not nearly so much as as locking these filth up in a tiny little room where the walls are lined with endlessly ringing phones - set to auto answer in speaker mode.
This week's numbers:
201 917 7310
305 441 5947
The 201 # even listed their name as \"Auto Warranty\"
We can make this easy: ALL telemarketers are scammers and should not be spoken to. On your cellphone program your favorite ring tone for all the people in your sim card, and make a silent MP3 as your default ringer. When someone you dont know calls your phone will play the silent ringer and they will go to voice mail, otherwise, anyone in your phone will ring normally.
I got them twice on my cell phone one day, and then it stopped. Still, unsolicited calls to cell phones are illegal, and I was upset on the principle of the thing.
OH THANK YOU! Its so good to know that its not just me. Now we must stop them. Come on Consumerists - With our powers combined!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-604434-100x100.png\")
I get them too (on my cell). And no, I don't have a car.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-107356-100x100.png\")
This guy in one of my classes had this happen to him. He just bought a car about a month ago and got a call from these people about his warranty expiring. One month warranty? LOL
I got one of those calls, pressed 1 (as instructed) to speak to an associate, and they asked for my car's year and model.
\"You tell me, you're the one who says it's expiring.\"
\"Let me look that up for you, just a moment...\" :click:
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-117249-100x100.png\")
I got one of these tonight as I walked in the door from work. I get them in waves -- sometimes none for months, sometimes three in a day. Always a different number. I can't say how much I hate these!
I love these calls because I get to yell 'F*** you A*******' right in the middle of my pretend interest in whatever they are selling. It's crude but it sends me to my happy place.
In case you missed my link in my initial post, here's a link to a public document - the British Columbia government is filing suit with the main culprits behind the Canadian calls. They're based in St. Louis:
I suspect they might have something to do with the calls in the States as well.
I dont even answer my phone when I dont recognize the number. I finally hit 1 and cursed the guy out and told him to get me off this damn list. But they still keep calling.I dont know what to do ..they keep eating my mins
Just got another call.
866-209-7845
\"This is your SECOND NOTICE about your factory warranty....\" Gah. Too bad my car's brand-spankin' new and doesn't lose its warranty for another 4 years.
fcc doesn't give a hoot either. these calls come in on my 11yr old's restricted, do not call cell ph#. i filed several complaints & fcc's response boiled down to: yeah, and?
I used to get robocalls from my cellphone, and I don't even have a car.
Then I lost my phone and everything was a-ok! :D
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-196506-100x100.png\")
I get them on my cell phone, kind of in waves (lots for a few months, then nothing, then they come back). I stopped answering any calls that are from an unrecognized, out of state number. I've never owned a car. So annoying.
My bosses get these daily, five or six people in my building are also complaining. So it's extended up into Canada now, as well.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-365833-100x100.png\")
I also have received a call about my car's warranty. I'm a bicycle advocate, I don't own a car, never have, never will.
When I was nice about being removed the calls increased.
As soon as I turned vulgar,hostile,racist,bigoted, and anti semitic the calls completely stopped!
No I am far from this in real life but I figured if I made them think I was a complete psycho they would leave me alone and they did!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-112280-100x100.png\")
I got one the first day my wifi-phone was activated! I get them most of the time at work, one time the caller ID even said it was from a hotel room! I never did much digging because I was at work, but it was curious.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-680891-100x100.png\")
I get them too, generally two or three times a week.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-123872-100x100.png\")
From:
\"Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent.\"
I used to get these calls all the time about 2 years ago! They never stopped, I ended up getting rid of the line entirely, it was so annoying. I was in an elevator once around the same time I was receiving the calls and I heard the same robo-call coming out of the speaker!!!!
I get these calls several times a week and it is so obnoxious because the number always changes so I can't block it. This has been going on for probably a year now and I get the calls not only on my cell but on my office line. I also work in a retail store that sells phones and they are calling the store model phones as well.
They called me at home (before I'd heard of others' getting these calls.) I let him speak for a moment, and then he asked \"What model car do you drive?\" And I said, \"Um, your recording said my warranty was going to expire. Shouldn't you know that?\" and he hung up, never to re-phone...yet (DUH DUH DUH...)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-376262-100x100.png\")
YES! I got some crap in the mail and then a voicemail right after I purchased a new car WITH a warranty. Um, these people had NOTHING to do with the actual warranty I purchased.
But what's the scam?
I've TRIED to get them to bite just to see how far down the rabbit hole goes and every time I just get hung up on. It doesn't matter what kind of car I tell them I have, I just get hung up on. You can't scam me if you don't talk to me!
Maybe they are just super cautious?
I filed a complain back in October? of 2008 with the FTC. I received two of these phone calls within 30 minutes of each other.....and this is after these asshole called me (I'm with AT&T Wireless) no less than 20 times in a matter of 1 month.
I had numbers, times and dates and when I \"pressed the key to speak to learn more\" (I forgot the exact lingo they used) I got a live human being. I used social engineering to get enough identifiable information about the company calling and I also recorded the phone call.
When I called the FTC I made a huge deal about it and escalated got some department head. She had me FedEx her the call recordings and all information. Had to sign an affidavit as well.
I forgot to check up on the outcome of the complaint, but I think I have an (unopened) official letter from the FTC somewhere in the pile of mail that has been collecting on my table now for the past 8 months. Snail mail is for the 1990's....I do all my business/transactions/etc online....so if the FTC is reading this post, sorry !! You people need to update your communications methods to email and stop using snail mail as it is outdated and inefficient.
Anyways, when it comes to unsolicited telephone calls coming into my cell phone (even though I am on the \"do not call\" list)
Call me \"Herr Fuhrer\" and these asshole telemarketers are....
; )
If you call my phone and start to solicit your products/wares I CAN and WILL find out who you are and I will go out of my way to get payback.
Achtung suckers, I will find out who you are. Do you honestly think your $10 an hour Midwestern trailer park living employee has an IQ higher than mine and can prevent me from getting whatever information I need about your company in order to pursue legal charges ????
Oh man, I get about 2 a day, everday. It so bad that I've stopped answering my calls when I don't recognize the area code. They've used area codes from all over the country.
I'm in college, and when I was at home with my parents over winter break, we got several of these, and each time my Mom said \"just hang up\" to me. Then just 2 days ago I got one on my cell, which irked me because I thought there was some advantage in having a cell phone since they're not attached to property as easily as a land line.
Arrgh. And I hit #2 for the \"If you would like to speak to a representative\" option. Got some woman, said \"I don't have a car. Why are you calling me?!?\" Without a change in tone, she just said, Alright we'll take you off the list. I started yelling Hey hey wait where did you get my number??!!! But she had already hung up.
Way too creepy.
If she's trying to scam me, she sure as hell sucked at selling me a warranty on my non-existent car.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-96883-100x100.png\")
It got so bad on my phone, I had my provider disable my voice mail. The bastards can't leave a message. I don't need messaging anyway. If someone I want to talk to calls when I'm not available, I just check my call list and return the call.
I used to get these calls a few times a week, but none in the last few months. Wonder why.... I kept trying to get them to write a policy for my 72 Ford Ranchero with 300k miles on it..... but they dont call any more.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-99510-100x100.png\")
They called me the other day on my cell number too. This is 100% illegal and the government SHOULD care. If they want to take all my tax dollars to so-call \"spread the wealth,\" why don't they first fine the crap out of these criminals?
Freaking Obama man! He doesn't even care.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-199438-100x100.png\")
ugh, i've been getting these calls for over a year now. how the HELL did they get my number. why do i think sprint had some shady deal to make some money and sell their phone lists? or perhaps a disgruntled employee?
I played dumb for a really long time the other day with one of the operators. Then I tried to dig a little deeper for some info. Things got a little heated on both ends.... Then I informed the operator that I lived in a single party state and that I had been recording the call from the start. I told him I was going to report him to his supervisor, FCC, FTC..... I think that got me taken off the list. Not one phone call since.
Excuse me, but i'm pretty darn sure that SHOVING is the answer. >:(
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-236523-100x100.png\")
I first started getting these at work, along with a few co-workers. Now I get them at home too!
These people need to be shot. I'm not kidding. Shot with a 12-gauge.
Go off on them. I got tired of them calling, hit 1 to speak with someone and never gave her a chance to speak. I went off and told her first I wanted to know who the F@#$# they were and they the f@#$# they keep calling me.When I stopped for a second she said I will be removed from their calling list and I have not gotten another phone call since.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-83308-100x100.png\")
For the first two months I was getting these calls, I asked to be taken off of the list. Then I started playing dumb to try and find out where they were or if they could call me back later. These people are not in India. I read an article who tracked them down to California. They want your name and address before they can do anything. Everyone should stay on the line until they get an operator.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-706751-100x100.png\")
The company that is behind this is Dealer Warranty Services out of St. Louis, MO. They also go by the name Vehicle Warranty Services. I have received several of these calls. On two occasions, I decided to play the game an find out who it was that was behind this. I was very polite and asked them for the company's information before I would make a purchase. Once I had that information, I told them to take my name off their list. I then contacted the attorney general's office for Missouri as well as the AG for Texas and reported this company. I just setup two Vonage accounts. Both phone numbers have received these stupid warranty scam calls. This crap has been going on for over a year. When in the hell is someone going to shut these people down?
More info in this article: [www.msnbc.msn.com]
Between these guys, the \"lower your credit card interest\" people, and the latest \"fix your mortgage\" calls, the Do Not Call list is close to becoming a failed law. Reputable companies respect it, scammers ignore it with impunity.
Seriously -- is there *anybody* at the FTC working on DNC violations? The auto warranty calls have been going on for more than a year, they're everywhere, what else is the FTC chasing that is a bigger deal than this?
There is some light at the end of the tunnel though -- some states' AGs are losing patience with the Feds and are going after these people on a state level.
I get these too. Scum of the earth. I realize it may not help, but everyone should file a complaint at https://donotcall.gov/ and maybe if they get enough it might get them to look into it.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-466466-100x100.png\")
Could it be that your cell phone company chooses to ignore the abusive calls because YOU GET CHARGED FOR EVERY CALL THAT GOES TO YOUR CELL PHONE.
The first time I got one of these calls, I was in my father's hospital room waiting for him to be brought up from surgery. The *hospital phone* rang - I thought maybe they were letting me know he was going to a different room (they'd already changed it once). It was the car warranty robocall.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-194114-100x100.png\")
I get 2-3 of these a week as well - they are annoying as hell. I hate the dead-air calls worse. . .
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-104781-100x100.png\")
My husband and I had been getting a lot of these calls (though not on our cell-phone).
He's posted three blog posts about this:
[cnx.com] <---title of post is \"Who the fuck is calling from 150622290344?\"
[cnx.com] title of post is \"Follow-up to those \"Card Services\" scam calls I posted about.\"
[cnx.com] title of post is \"Additional information on the \"Heather From Card Services\" scam\"
We did a ton of google searching on the various phone numbers they used and found plenty of other articles citing the phone number, tracing it to at least one company and other complaints. Hopefully, you'll all find this helpful (even if this is a NEW company doing this, you can see how to track them down).
For the record, I usually start at:
[www.411.com] (though it doesn't help if they are spoofing their phone-number).
I'm beginning to wonder if the Do Not Call Registry actually sells our phone numbers once we register because I've gotten more calls since registering on the Do Not Call Registry. Also, when I get calls from the car warranty phonies and I ask the name of their company, they hang up on me. Likewise, with the \"Consumer Services\" company that calls about lowering my credit card balance (I don't have any consumer debt at all), when I ask them where they're based, they hang up on me.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-286901-100x100.png\")
I get these calls on my cell, home, & work. Nobody has all three of my numbers, well, my wife does. This is the number it's coming from 1-866-209-7845. I thought it was just me. I googled it after seeing this, and I guess it's wide spread
Anyone think that maybe this is a scam gone wrong and the hijacked pbx's and random other lines are still running code to play a recording, yet the original perp is long gone?
These goons are calling me three times per week and I DON'T OWN A CAR.
I just ignore it and I get about a 20 second voice mail left on my phone. The only thing is, they keep saying \"This is the last call before we remove you from our list.\" LIARS! I'm waiting, geniuses. Remove me from your list. No, I'm not giving you my number. Just stop calling EVERYBODY.
I work for as a CSR for the local newspaper and we get these calls all day long on both company cell phones and the switchboard.
I haven't gotten these calls on my cell phone. Yet. But I get them all the time at work. At work I always hit the \"do not call\" button. One of the times I did this, it thought I hit \"connect to rep\". The conversation went a little like this...
\"Thank you, may I have your vehicle's registration number?\"
\"Sir, I need to tell you something.\"
\"I need your vehicle's registration.\"
\"SIR, I'm trying to tell you something.\"
\"Ma'am, I just need some vital information.\"
\"I'm trying to give YOU some vital information! This is a business that HAS NO CAR. Put us on your do not call list!\"
Then he insisted I hit the wrong button, and I \"informed\" him that I hit exactly what the message said to, and the error was still on their part. And I hung up on him.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-252116-100x100.png\")
I pressed \"two\" to opt out...and haven't gotten called since.
Shrug.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-46683-100x100.png\")
The only way I see to really track this down is to have someone (Consumers Union?, AT&T?) actually buy one of the warranties and then carefully track the money trail to whoever is doing it. Spoofing number is easy in the age of VOIP and keeping them on the line is useless as it costs them nothing but the time of the \"customer service rep\". Maybe you could also trick them into somehow giving up an address but they are probably very savvy given the number of people tracking them down.
Why can't we use some of that Homeland Security Big Brother tech to track down things like this. After all, it could be a terrorist fund raising scam, right?
I used to get these calls frequently. What I decided to do was have some fun with them and push one to get the person, and then tell them I have some decrepit car.
I believe the past few have been:
1989 Dodge Spirit
1971 Ford Pinto. I asked if bondo is covered.
1985 Dodge Lancer
1984 Fiat Uno
Then I demand coverage.
This brings me much joy, and the call volume has gone down.
Waste their time, they'll stop.
I got a land line with my dorm room for emergencies and we got at least 2 of these messages a day! It was ridiculous considering neither of us have a car.
Sometimes it was automated, and other times it was a real person. I hope no one actually fell for this ...
I get this on my home phone and my cell phone. I just received one for a credit card and asked to be put on the do not call list and the woman said, I don't understand, I thought you wanted to lower your interest rate. So I said where are you located? She replied in your backyard. I am sure it is a phishing scam.
I get mail from these guys all the time. I called once to see what these guys are talking about, as I got my first one a week after I got my car. Talk about high pressure:
\"What do you mean it expired, I just got it\"
\"Well, give me your payment number and we can extend it.\"
\"That doesn't answer my question, you're telling me this is expired a week after I buy the damn thing.\"
\"Oh, no it hasn't...but it will some day. Now give me your payment information.\"
\"No shit Sherlock...of course it will some day. If you're not with Toyota don't send me this shit again.\"
*hang up*
Of course they did.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-808630-100x100.png\")
I get these on my home phone (a landline) a few times per week and have every week since we moved to this address last July.
It's gotten so I don't even answer the phone if I'm at all busy because there's such a high likelihood it's these people.
One time I pressed whatever I had to press to talk to them, got a rep, and demanded to be taken off their list. They hung up on me without another word.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-99079-100x100.png\")
I get an average of 4 a day on my land line, sometimes up to 6 times a day, and they always leave a message. I've tried every possible way to get these companies to stoop calling, including telling my phone carrier that these calls are harassing - to no avail. I've cursed at the moronic representatives when I actually DO get one on the line. They've called me as early as 6 AM in the morning and as late as 11 PM. I'm seriously considering changing my number, because it's becoming unbearable.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-666959-100x100.png\")
These calls are so very annoying. I answer the phone at my church and I always speak to a representative. I just tell them right out that this is a church and we are not interested.
When I get the calls at home, I mess with them. *evil grin*
\"Bud's Spuds and Studs, how can I help you?\"
\"Madame Saffron's Bordello.\"
\"Hank's Horse Gelders.\"
Or I just sing to them.
Rep: Hello, I can help you renew your-
Me: You spin me right round, baby, right round like a record baby, round, round, ro-
Rep: *click*
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-384485-100x100.png\")
I get these calls pretty frequently. Usually I am able to spot them because the area code will be some random state that I don't know anyone in.
I also get a lot of sports gambling calls.
I'm in Toronto, Ontario, and I received 3 of these calls over the course of about a week. The first two times, the automated message went to my voicemail. The third time, I managed to catch it and press a number to talk to a real person. I told the woman on the other end point-blank that I don't own a vehicle, let alone know how to drive, and she quickly said 'okay, I'll take you off the list' and hung up. I haven't been bothered by their calls since.
Of course, I still get calls from 'my' credit card company about lowering my interest rate, as well as a call saying that I've won a trip to Cancun. The tip-off, of course, is that they do not identify their company name. If you were actually a customer of theirs, they would have no problem identifying themselves. Never trust a company that phones with an unsolicited offer that seems to only benefit you and not them.
With this economy, they're all coming out of the woodwork to bait the gullible people, I tell ya.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-222420-100x100.png\")
Solution: have telecos allow you to add an additional 3 digit code at the end of your number so anyone who doesn't know this code won't get through. This would stop robo dialers completely. More than 3 attempts to get trough would block the originating caller from ever getting though. This is better than getting a new number since you would have control over your own number.
I get one of these every few days. My Subaru is 9 years old and definitely no longer under warranty (as I know quite well, having just spent $600 to repair some transmission damage due to some yahoo piling snow on top of a pile of gravel in front of his house... sigh).
I just hang up and ignore it, but it would be nice not to pay for someone to spam me.
As I read this, the phone rang and guess who was calling? (insert Twilight Theme Song). I pressed one at the prompt and a man came on the phone asking to verify my year, make and model of my vehicle. I replied \"you called me so you have that information.\" Silence. He hung up.
These calls have been bothering myself, as well as my girlfriend for weeks. I had some time to kill once when they called and acted like I was concerned and interested in their product (I don't even own a car). I made them feel like they had another mark and asked them what company they represented. \"THE CHOICE WARRANTY\" They claimed they were based out of michigan.
I receive calls on my home phone about auto warranties. At first, a live person talks telling me to update my auto warranty info. I try to interrupt and tell him to stop calling, but he turns on the recording with a woman's voice talking about updating our info concerning our auto warranty. The last call, I listened to the whole spiel and pressed whatever nunmber she said to shut her up and stop the calls. We'll see. I reported the 2 numbers (702-520-1103 & 703-291-9045) to the Do Not Call Registry complaint section. Maybe if a lot of people report the intrusions, the feds will do something.
I get several telemarketing calls from these scam artists per week, sometimes per day ... and bloody hate it they can't be stopped.
I hope everybody takes 2 minutes of their time to report every telemarketing call with the Do Not Call registry. Spoofed number or not. That's not our responsibility. Only when everybody complains will authorities be motivated to do something.
And, I don't believe for a minute the calls can't be traced and the callers can't be located nor identified. With the # of calls these scammers make to everybody, they have to have a major telco contract. They don't need to look far.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-630206-100x100.png\")
\"and the government doesn't seem to care\"
maybe it IS the government
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-396206-100x100.png\")
I kid you not - I swear I just got this new cell phone TODAY, after waiting patiently for my verizon contract from heck to expire. And while it was charging, BEFORE I had given my new number to ANYBODY, it rang and when I googled the number, it came up as this robocall scam. I find it hard to believe no one can trace the ownership of the number on the caller ID (which was 231-732-2338). Any hackers out there want to try it?
There are two different types of callers here:
1. phishers looking for credit card info. These
are probably offshore, set up with phony IDs
and sham companies - they get info, use or
sell the CC numbers. Abandon the setup and
do it again. By the time anyone can track them
down and start to go after them, they are gone.
2. \"real\" extended warranty companies. [I saw
an article on one of the operators - all claims
are denied or delayed as long as possible and if necessary
paid out at low amounts. Then the company
goes out of business leaving a shell with no assets.
New company is set up.]
These guys try to insulate themselves from the
callers through a series of companies and they
blame the \"hired\" marketing company. It takes
time to unravel the web of players with enough
proof to get the real culprits personally, not just
a judgment against the company [which never has
any assets].
There is a big difference between
tracking down the small players and building a legal case
against the top layer of operators.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-99271-100x100.png\")
The baffling thing about this whole scam is that I can't find a way that this would be profitable for the fraudsters. I've gotten a ton of these calls over the past year of so, and have tried many different ways to try and actually get through to the originating party. Pushed 1, pushed 2, stayed on the line, called back, etc. just to figure out who it was, and not one time was I ever connected with a human being. How do these people make money? Has anyone actually made contact?
They're the devil!
I always say, \"which car? i have two.\" and they hang up. I don't even own a car.
Those \"Expired Car Warranty\" people go through spurts of calling me, until I make them not want to scam me, then they don't call me for up to a month at a time.
Telling them I know it's a scam has never worked, nor has asking them to unsubscribe me.
Most recently, I haven't gotten a call ever since I told them my car had over 200,000 miles on it.
They also hang up right away if you're too gung-ho about helping them (they must be looking out for us time-wasters).
Early on I thought it was a real business, asked for the supervisor's name, and he said Joe Dirt. I said \"Like the movie?\" and that ballsy ass said \"yep.\"
This company calls me constantly and it drives me crazy!!I received a call from them a few weeks ago and I pressed 1 to talk to an agent and when he got on the phone I asked him the name of this company and he said US Fidelis.
I can't believe I'm actually suggesting this, but given the number of people who have pointed out that this scam doesn't seem to be profitable for the scammers, is it possible (I feel ridiculous for even thinking it, but is it POSSIBLE) that it actually IS the telecoms, with offshore call centers simply calling numbers to eat up minutes? In aggregate, all these 30 second - 2 minute calls must add up, and SOMEbody's paying for those minutes. Feel free to tell me I'm crazy paranoid. This can't be the answer, can it?
I got one of those calls yesterday, and pressed the \"do not call\" button at the end of the spiel (of course, I'm already on the government do not call list).
Just got another call from them an hour ago. I've half a mind to ask what they'd charge to extend the warranty on my 1997 Saturn with 109,000 miles on it!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-40480-100x100.png\")
I posted the details last month on my blog, but here are the highlights and a link. They are spoofing Caller ID, pressing #2 to opt out doesn't work, and after I tried to register my 1984 Nissan 300ZX, they dropped the call.
Tons of complaints to the BBB, I recommend anyone with enough time to file a complain with the State of Missouri.
National Auto Warranty Services
100 Mall Parkway
Wentzville, MO 63385
Phone: 636-639-1620
Phone: 800-649-1856
[oneautowarranty.com] - note the domain name does not include National Auto Warranty Services, but this is the domain name provided by the company via telephone.
General Sales Manager, Derek Carroll (ext 7799)
General Manager, Eddie Struckman (ext 7706)
Team Managers: Brian Hayes, Brian Sczepanski, Chris Robinson, Len Woolfenden and Nils Foldberg.
I never use all the minutes on my cell phone, so I hit the option to speak to a rep, then simply ask them to hold on and set the phone down. I then continue whatever I'm doing, signal whoever is in the room with me, and have a bit of background conversation... usually inserting the word \"warranty\" or the phrase \"did you check in the car warranty?\"
Then, I'll pick up the phone from time to time and ask relevant questions that are not at all true of my car:
\"Hey, Laurie... was this for the 2004 Mazda or the 2008 Chevy? (we have a 2007 Honda) Okay, hang on.\" (continue on project. Comment about the car to someone in the room)
\"Laurie, do I need to call Glenn Motors about this? No? Okay, hold on... I'll be right back.\"
I've had them hanging on as long as 20 minutes. The final time I pick up, I say this \"Hey Laurie? Just thought I'd let you know, I've been wasting your time and I'm not interested. I've made up every detail about the cars and dealers I've mentioned. I will do this every time your company calls me, and I intend to waste as much of your company's time as possible.\"
After enduring 3 calls a day for weeks, I only had to do this 3 times before they stopped calling me completely.
I was getting 2-3 calls a day from these people. I kept track of when they were calling me and from what number. For me, it was always the same. I filed a complaint with the FCC. I doubt that it will do any good.
I already knew that they didn't leave voicemails, so I set up my phone to send that number straight to voicemail. I haven't heard from them since.
I get these all the time, both land line and cell.
One time I pretended for about 5 minutes that I was an old (yes) confused (no) coot who was really worried but just could not remember the warranty. The didn't seem to mind at all that I was confused!
After the 5 minutes were up, I went to my regular voice and told the guy he ought to really look for honest work. He hung up on me, but then the calls really started to come, probably 25 in 3-4 days. People w/o souls.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-186868-100x100.png\")
A couple of tips to beat the robodialers: if you're receiving lots of dialer calls (you pick up and no one's there for a second) when you answer the phone, don't say anything or make any noises for at least 2-3 seconds - dialing software uses this time window and the audio levels it receives in response to determine whether it's reached a person, an answering machine, a non-working number, etc. A long moment of silence confuses it and in most cases it should just terminate your call (while an actual human will inevitably say something if you don't speak up.)
After those 2-3 seconds, issue your greeting - if there is a human there, they will respond, if it is an autodialler trying to connect you to telemarketing rep (and it hasn't hung up yet) of course there will be no one there: time to hang up. CLICK. That silent pause gives you a better chance of escape, if you immediately say \"hello\" when you pick up, good dialer software has a better chance of connecting you with a rep before you realize what's going on.
I haven't spoken to a telemarketer in several years, although I have hung up on about 15,000 of their calls (sometimes I get to hear the first few words of their shpiel as I'm hanging up on them.) Having to hang up is an acceptable annoyance, however, as I am assured of the fact that they know they are completely and totally wasting their time and efforts in dialling me with unsolicited sales pitches and/or scams.
I never, ever, never answer my cell if the call is coming from a number I do not recogize. I paid for too many wrong number calls before I decided this needed to be the rule. If it is really an emergency, whoever it is will leave me a message or text...
I had this problem a while back, hanging up on the robomessage that I'd get every time. One day I decided to call them back at the number they provided. I told them I didn't have a car. Haven't heard from them since.
I have been getting the auto warranty calls for the last year on my cell phone. I've just started getting calls on my home phone offering to help me lower my credit card interest rates.
When I have time, I keep the rep on the phone, playing along, then ask them how their mother would feel knowing their son/daughter is nothing more than a petty thief.
Yeah, it's tacky, but it makes me angry knowing that if they called my grandmother with this crap, she'd probably give them her information.
If I can ruin their day, or even a tiny part of their day, I will cheerfully take 15 minutes of my time to do so.
I too have been getting the \"Car Warranty\" calls on both my cell phone and my home phone. I didn't know that my warranty was still active for my 1979 Suburban....If it is still valid I should think about taking my truck in for service. LOL Now the newest Robo-Telemarketer is telling me about my Credit Card...I have NOT One credit card. I haven't had a credit card in over 6 years. I called the phone number from my telephone company on the \"Do-Not-Call Notification\" 888-382-1222 and it states that they have 31 days for all telemarketers to cease calling. Today is March 20th 2009 and I registered for \"Do-Not-Call\" on February 11th 2009. I am thinking this is not effective either. Can anyone HELP????
Was able to call 402-982-0668, and it wanted to know if I wanted to remove my number off the list. Lets see if it works this time.
has anyone tried to act interested in the car warranty to see who is behind this? i think i will next time i get a call.
Just got a call. 704-220-0630 (North Carolina. Metro Charlotte area)
I admittedly lost my cool and asked \"Who the **** is this and don't ever ****in' call this number again\" before the person on the phone hung up on me.
Honestly I don't care. I really didn't feel like talking to someone to tell them once again to not call me and just went for venting pure venom. I know it doesn't get you anywhere with these people... but atleast it's a release.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-809020-100x100.png\")
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-44484-100x100.png\")
My girlfriend gets these calls 2 to 3 times a day. She just ignores them now.
I'm getting these calls a ton: I didn't answer the very first one I received because the first three digits of the number were \"000\". Nobody's number starts that way!
@BentonProsymnus: The best part about my warranty robo calls is that they are in Spanish. So I had no idea what they were even saying until I asked a friend. Up until that point I thought I had one a prize from Don Francisco.
@BentonProsymnus: I've started treating my phone like an email address, personally. If I don't recognize the number, I don't pick up. If they leave a voicemail, I'll call back, otherwise I just ignore them.