# Keeping spam callers on the phone **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 12, 2021, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249 "2021-11-12T15:40:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Keeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2021, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/41 "2021-11-14T03:15:00Z")
> [@cincinnatus](#): > > > [@Keeve](#): > > > > The guy I’m talking to isn’t evil - his company is. This guy is just trying to get a paycheck. > > I trust you would have the same warm feeling toward a Mafia killer. Just working for a paycheck, you know. > > These hired killers are out to steal your livelihood. I see only a difference in degree. My first reaction was to dismiss this out-of-hand. But although I perceive the “difference in degree” to be quite extreme, I have to admit that it really is **only** a difference in degree. I’m going to let this grow on me. Let’s see how I feel a few weeks or months from now. I might end up agreeing with you. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2021, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/42 "2021-11-14T04:19:10Z")
A couple of years ago I decided to screw with one of them who called my cell. I think it was the IRS scam. I gave them a fake name and address and I was forwarded to the next tier. The guy called me by my real name and asked why I lied, not that I spent any time worrying but I hung up on him at that point. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2021, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/43 "2021-11-14T05:02:40Z")
I usually either give them the silent treatment (as in, I answer the phone and then simply don’t say anything) or the senile old person routine: “eh? What’s that? Urk! Speak up young man!” With the extended car warranty, I’ll say, “which car - the Porche or the Ferrari?” None of this keeps them on the line for long - they’ve been trained to recognize that such tactics are common and a waste of their time, it’s best to move on. Still, I derive 5 seconds of satisfaction, and that’s good enough for me. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2021, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/44 "2021-11-14T06:09:28Z")
I’ve managed to confuse the “I’m from Microsoft and we can see you have a problem with your computer” game just by asking 'Which one?" And once I got into the whole “Could you open Windows” routine. “You want me to open Windows?” [Three minutes later[ “OK the windows are open, what next?” [After some to-ing and fro-ing about finding a browser in the open window] “Is this going to take long, only it’s cold outside and a bit draughty with the windows open… In the computer? There’s a screen but no windows in the computer” And so on. I’m usually a bit more prosaic. The calls that start with “According to our records, you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault - is that right” get a prompt “Put me through to your Data Protection Officer please” (because if there really were such a record, it’d be wrong and I have the right to make them correct it). I’ve never yet tried the panicky whisper “It’s done - but there’s blood everywhere…” ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2021, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/45 "2021-11-14T13:25:19Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > I’ve never yet tried the panicky whisper “It’s done - but there’s blood everywhere…” I’ve done something like, whispering, “I think there’s someone in the house. Can you call 911? Wait, he’s right here .” ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2021, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/46 "2021-11-16T23:38:10Z")
I got two calls from “Amazon” about “fraudulent charges” today. I managed to get to the second level of support, but when he wanted me to load up anydesk, I said that I already got the refund from his mom the previous night. Here’s my question – if I had a virtual machine running with a browser, could I safely install anydesk and let the scammer remotely control the VM? Or, would that still be a risk? ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/47 "2021-11-17T04:20:57Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I hate to spoil the game, but these guys know your phone number. And likely your name and address. They can ruin your life. Calls 24/7, odd packages, re-routed mail, utilities turned off, etc. They do have your phone number but just from whatever random number the auto dialer hit. Once I hung up on one and he called me back. But he didn’t indicate that he knew anything else about me. If highly motivated they could probably track you down but its much more lucrative to move onto the next sucker ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/48 "2021-11-17T04:30:15Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I do go with “what are you wearing?” sometimes, said in my sexiest voice (not very sexy), but that doesn’t usually last too long I tried this once. I am a man and so was the caller so it was quite amusing. I am straight but did my best stereotypical gay voice. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/49 "2021-11-18T16:52:05Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I got two calls from “Amazon” about “fraudulent charges” today. I managed to get to the second level of support, but when he wanted me to load up anydesk, I said that I already got the refund from his mom the previous night. > > Here’s my question – if I had a virtual machine running with a browser, could I safely install anydesk and let the scammer remotely control the VM? Or, would that still be a risk? I received one of those calls as wells. I guess the scam is they tell you there is a fraudulent purchase for thousands of dollars coming your way and then trick you into giving all sorts of info about your account. i have a couple routines I do to amuse myself when spammers call. It’s tough though, because a lot of times, they will hang up immediately if they think you are fucking with them or you give the wrong info. For example: **Confused Grandma:** I use the voice of a senile old lady who thinks she is speaking with her grandson. **The Special Boy:** I pretend to be developmentally challenged. Think Simple Jack from Tropic Thunder. **Angry Cletus:** After a few minutes of speaking with the caller, I pretend to start screaming at my wife. "BITCH! FUCK YOU! IT’S SOME FOR’NER SAY HE GONNA SAVE ME MONEY ON MY CAR! I DONE TOLD YOU IT AIN’T BRITTANY-SUE THAT SHIT OVER! Generally I do this when my actual wife isn’t home. **Stuck:** I speak to the caller normally but at some point I get stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu… and then they hang up. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/50 "2021-11-18T16:54:04Z")
Haha! Nice ones! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/51 "2021-11-18T16:54:51Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > I received one of those calls as wells. I guess the scam is they tell you there is a fraudulent purchase for thousands of dollars coming your way and then trick you into giving all sorts of info about your account. I’ve gotten that call. I just told them the charge was legitimate and just to leave it alone. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/52 "2021-11-18T16:56:06Z")
That’s no fun at all! ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/53 "2021-11-18T16:59:10Z")
> [@Keeve](#): > > The guy I’m talking to isn’t evil - his company is. This guy is just trying to get a paycheck. She/he knows that lies are being told for the purpose of scamming people, therefore applying the “evil” label is justified and I will fuck with them whenever possible. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/54 "2021-11-18T19:58:41Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > She/he knows that lies are being told for the purpose of scamming people, therefore applying the “evil” label is justified and I will fuck with them whenever possible. There was a Times Magazine article a while back where the reporter, who was Indian, went to one of these call centers. The guy he talked to was basically an independent contractor - and was evil. He found him because there is a hacker who, when the “Windows company” scum are placing malware on his isolated computer, can place malware on theirs. It is possible a mugger needs the money. He is still evil. I’m with you. ---
**Author:** ![Keeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/55 "2021-11-18T20:08:13Z")
If I get a robocall from a scammer, then I agree. A scammer is evil, very much like a mugger. (Physically less violent, but financially more dangerous.) But are all robocalls scammiers? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/56 "2021-11-18T20:14:35Z")
The vast majority of them are, and ALL of the ones using spoofed phone numbers are. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/57 "2021-11-18T20:15:58Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > The vast majority of them are, and ALL of the ones using spoofed phone numbers are. - If you’re on the Do Not Call list, even if it’s not a scammer, it’s not a company you want to deal with. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/58 "2021-11-18T20:19:41Z")
> [@Keeve](#): > > But are all robocalls scammiers? I’ve gotten robocalls from the city regarding a weather emergency, or one from the local member of Congress inviting me to a telephone town hall. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/59 "2021-11-18T20:22:30Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > > [@Keeve](#): > > > > But are all robocalls scammiers? > > I’ve gotten robocalls from the city regarding a weather emergency, or one from the local member of Congress inviting me to a telephone town hall. - Robo _sales_ calls will be scammers. ---
**Author:** ![TheCuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thecuse/32/2854_2.png) [@TheCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCuse)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249/60 "2021-11-18T20:33:08Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > If you’re on the Do Not Call list, even if it’s not a scammer, it’s not a company you want to deal with. Agree 100 percent. and if they spoof their number, there is no way in hell I will deal with them. Same as the companies who bombard my email account with their spam. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-spam-callers-on-the-phone/954249.md?page=4)