# Scam (Internet and Otherwise) Omnibus Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 4, 2022, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265 "2022-04-04T18:23:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 61
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1201 "2026-06-27T16:27:07Z")
Just a note about the “electric company” scammers: They might ask to see your bill, so they can show you just how much you can save. DON’T. Your bill contains sufficient account information that they could use to sign you up for their “service”. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1202 "2026-06-27T18:31:26Z")
Generic you I assume, as I personally am wayyy ahead of ya, and have talked to the office gals at the complex about them, and we agreed to call the cops on them if they show up again, which one did 2 weeks ago (a kid wearing an Ivy League style sweater of all things). I and another neighbor both told him to sod off, politely but firmly. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2026, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1203 "2026-07-07T02:54:27Z")
Today I had one of those attempts to get me to install malware as part of identifying me as not a robot. I was on OpenTable and wanted to look at a restaurant’s menu, which was not showing on OpenTable but only on the restaurant’s own site (quite common on Open Table). Fortunately I had seen somewhere here on SDMB about these scripts or whatever it is that gets loaded, so I noped out and closed the tab. My first thought was to wonder why a restaurant would be doing that; it wasn’t until later that I thought “Oh yeah, they’ve probably been hacked.” Now I wish I could have found a way to contact them so I could let them know, but I don’t remember which restaurant it was. I hope they figure it out. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2026, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1204 "2026-07-07T03:50:03Z")
I just got a similar one, though the email address does seem correct after the @. I’ll check on it sometime via the actual publishing house. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2026, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1205 "2026-07-07T07:01:04Z")
I’ve gotten a couple of emails in my spam folder about being part of class action lawsuits. The cases seemed plausible on the surface (I’d had dealings with both the defendants) so I copied the links and tried them in a private browsing window. At which point BitDefender immediately flagged them as malware and refused to continue. Searching the actual case titles revealed that the claim deadlines were almost a year ago. My best WAG is that someone got breached client lists and went phishing. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1206 "2026-07-09T01:50:14Z")
So, since it seems to be going around again, I just got a second (in 3 months) dead-tree letter scam on Endurance extended warranty on my new 2025 vehicle. It raised several alarms because all the language is very general, and was obviously trying to create a panic by saying a cut off date in the next few days. Not to mention they don’t get to unilaterally change a signed contract. So, again, red flags aplenty. There are _many_ internet posts with near-identical language out there, most of which (circa 2020) at least have the decency to be honest in the fine print at the bottom of the page with language like “This is an advertisement to secure an opportunity to sell you a service.” This one though has no such language. Amusing myself, I sent them an email using my “spam file” email address, saying that I’d gotten a letter on their company stationary claiming their service was about to increase, and giving them a chance to respond before I filed an FCC complaint for false advertising (since the disclaimer was NOT included in my letter). We’ll see what they say. And then I’ll file a fraudulent advertising claim as needed. As a huge +1 on the irony meter though, THIS is a page from Endurance’s own Website: > **[Getting Mail About A Car Warranty Scam | Endurance Warranty](https://www.endurancewarranty.com/learning-center/extended-warranty/why-do-i-keep-getting-mail-about-my-car-warranty-scam/#)** > > Receiving mail about an expired car warranty can be an invitation to a bad deal or a rip-off. Here’s what you need to know to be protected from these scams. The letter I received matches almost all the points they mention. Here’s hoping (?) it’s a third-party claiming to be Endurance so they can avoid the massive self-own. ---
**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:** [July 9, 2026, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1207 "2026-07-09T01:57:36Z")
> [@OttoDaFe](#): > > The cases seemed plausible on the surface (I’d had dealings with both the defendants) so I copied the links and tried them in a private browsing window. At which point BitDefender immediately flagged them as malware and refused to continue. I open such links (if I do) in a sandbox. Private windows don’t stop malware from loading(as you found out). If I just want to see the page, I’ll load them in [urlscan](https://urlscan.io). You get a screenshot. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1208 "2026-07-09T20:17:41Z")
I got a fast response from Edurance! First, I’ll cut and paste what I sent to their Contact Us email: > | Be advised that I received a fraudulent notice using your letterhead saying my Extended Vehicle Service Plan was about to see a rate increase. It included contact information for Rebecca Patterson 1-866-221-3005, and cited an address matching yours 400 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 470 Northbrook IL 60062. I am extending the benefit of the doubt that it is a third party using your information and giving you a chance to confirm before I use the included information to file a report with the FCC. | The response (less than 24 hours!): > Good Morning, That letter is auto generated marketing letter and our system keeps sending those, please disregard them, I will take you off of the marketing list so you dont get those anymore but if you do please give us a call at 866-432-4443. So yeah, scammy contact attempt using all the exact same flags that their own website warns you are red flags. This feels like some sort of weird Inception-like fractal intersection of scam/advertising and self-own. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1209 "2026-08-07T04:44:18Z")
I got a text message this morning from “Bank of America,” saying my check card ending in xxxx was used for a $350-ish payment to GoDaddy. Is this legit? Respond with Y or N, or STOP to end. Nevermind that I don’t have any accounts with BofA; even more telling this was a scam was the fact that they sent a separate text with an image of the BofA logo. No bank does this. An hour or so later, they sent another text saying they were trying to reach me and blah blah blah. At that point I blocked the number. What is this scammer trying to gain by only asking for a Y/N response? I looked it up, and the variation of this scam I read about was “BofA” sending texts saying “if you didn’t do this purchase, call this number.” But these texts I got did not supply a phone number, and in fact were sent from one of those 5-digit numbers. Maybe they were waiting for a “no” response, then they would have said “Call us right now! Your life depends on it!!” Or perhaps they were just seeing if they had a “live” number? I must say I was kind of tempted to respond with “yes, that was me, it’s legit, thanks for your concern.” ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1210 "2026-08-07T13:35:39Z")
They say they will refund the $350, but they need the victim to do a few things. They say they need the victim to log into their bank account, but they need access to their computer to be able to verify something or another. While they are logged in and the victim is on their bank’s website, they transfer money out of the account. But they fake screens so that the victim doesn’t really see what’s going on. Or they say they need the bank account and routing numbers so that they can reverse the charges. It doesn’t make sense that someone would allow a hacker to do all that, but some people get flustered or are naive and go along with the scammer thinking it’s all real. ---
**Author:** ![bodangus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c37758/32.png) [@bodangus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bodangus)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1211 "2026-08-07T15:04:52Z")
Tarring and feathering in public places. ---
**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:** [August 7, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1212 "2026-08-07T15:23:58Z")
> [@bodangus](#): > > Tarring and feathering in public places. - Correction. In _pubic_ places. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1213 "2026-08-07T20:00:03Z")
I almost got scammed today, you guys. Long story short, I answered my cell phone, and a guy who knew my name and address convinced me that I’d missed a grand jury summons, and I needed to report to the Sheriff’s office so I could fill out a form and they could compare my signature to some other form they had where I had supposedly confirmed receipt of the summons. While I was on the phone with him, I checked that the number he was calling from and the address I was to report to really did belong to the Sheriff’s office. That, plus the fact that he wasn’t asking me for money, had me believing him. Then it got weird. I was to come immediately to the Sheriff’s office without ending the phone call because there was a warrant for my arrest and it would be construed as an attempt to flee. I was also not to tell anyone why I was going, but to say it was a personal legal matter. I said, “I’m at work, I can’t just walk out!” He said, “Okay, let your supervisor know, but don’t put the phone down, and acknowledge me if I speak to you.” So I put the phone down and moved away so I could tell my friend what was going on. He immediately said, “Scam” and called the Sheriff’s office himself to reassure me. Then I went back and hung up my phone (I’m not sure the caller was still there). Apparently the scam is that while the victim is en route, the caller says they can clear the issue by paying a fine. THAT would have tipped me, but jeez. I can’t believe they had me going as long as they did. Husband is not going to understand how I could have been so dumb. ---
**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:** [August 7, 2026, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1214 "2026-08-07T20:16:04Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Long story short, I answered my cell phone, and a guy who knew my name and address convinced me that I’d missed a grand jury summons, and I needed to report to the Sheriff’s office so I could fill out a form and they could compare my signature to some other form they had where I had supposedly confirmed receipt of the summons. - No one would ever call, a notice would be sent and possibly a warrant issued if you had actually missed jury duty. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1215 "2026-08-07T20:19:11Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > I checked that the number he was calling from and the address I was to report to really did belong to the Sheriff’s office. Yeah, the widespread spoofing of caller IDs have made these things more insidious than ever. Normal sensible precautions aren’t always enough - you (the generic “you” - not necessarily you, you 🙂) have to learn how not to respond to any alarmist or manipulative calls at all. Which requires either putting in the effort to stay abreast of the ever-evolving arsenal of scam tools and tactics or going full cynical/paranoid on everything. Which is sort of tiring, but increasingly another mildly unpleasant necessity in our modern world. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1216 "2026-08-07T20:24:56Z")
Thanks for adding to our documentation on that one @Dung_Beetle. I haven’t even heard of that particular one before and you’re right, it’s missing a lot of the traditional “tells” that might have set you off sooner. I’ll say that once having had a bench warrant for my arrest, that they were amazingly chill about it. I had missed a dispute date for a ticket during my time in college, as I out of state for summer break. When I found about it (mail catching up with me) I called and explained, and they effortlessly rescheduled the court date and dropped the warrant. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1217 "2026-08-07T20:32:45Z")
Thanks for being so kind, you guys! The scam sounds obvious in the retelling, but this dude was really good. I was shaking. ---
**Author:** ![zbuzz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zbuzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zbuzz)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2026, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1218 "2026-08-08T04:04:54Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > What is this scammer trying to gain by only asking for a Y/N response? For one thing, if you reply either way they will know that it is an active number. Further, they now know it’s the number of someone willing to engage with rando texts. Additionally, if you are on an iPhone, a security feature of the Messages app will not allow anyone to send you a tappable link unless the sender is already in your contacts or until you have replied to that sender. So to get around this security, they ask you to reply with a simple Y/N. Doing so opens the door to the scammer next sending you a malicious tappable link to a scam site where you enter your financial details. Since you have already been primed to engage with the Y/N, psychologically that makes it easier for you to tap the malicious link. So best course of action with unknown texts is to never respond and report them as spam. ---
**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:** [August 19, 2026, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1219 "2026-08-19T18:20:17Z")
It’s been romance scammers for awhile now, all long with dozens of messages back and forth. Not really worth posting but I did just get a weird one just now. **Good Day, I want to discuss something with you now please** _Hi Lucinda,_ _I’m intrigued. What do you wish to discuss?_ _Peter Mosse_ **Hello Peter Mosse** **How are you today hope great, if so thanks be to the almighty God in heaven for making it possible for us to see today.** **my name is Lucinda please I want to tell you very important something can you send me your WhatsApp number let us discuss over there** _Hi Lucinda_ _I don’t use Whatsapp._ _All the popular messaging apps lack the security my work requires._ _Email works for me._ _Peter Mosse_ **Okay no problem I’m very happy to hear from you is because of security purpose that’s why I’m asking you your WhatsApp number my uncle try to kill me and take my father’s property I need your help that’s why I contact you** _And what the fuck could I possibly do from here? If you weren’t a scammer, you would call the local police._ _Fuck off._ _Peter Mosse_ At least it was a new approach I haven’t seen. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2026, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1220 "2026-08-19T20:28:53Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > Yeah, the widespread spoofing of caller IDs have made these things more insidious than ever. I’ve had my cell # since the area had one area code. We now have **six**. My county seat is in a different area code than my phone is. I know lots of spoof calls match the first six - area code + exchange, but in my case that would be a dead giveaway that it’s a scam. With the proliferation of area codes, I wonder how many people are in a situation like me where the “sheriff” calling from my area code means it’s not real? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265.md?page=60) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265.md?page=62)