As soon as you hear a foreign voice, figure its a scam and hang up. Better yet, don't pick up the phone call at all. If u don't have it get "caller ID" and Voice Mail or a personal answering machine which I like better. If the caller # is not familiar, don't pick up let it go to VM. You can play the message back and if u know the person call them back. If not, delete the number. I have an old cordless phone but I noted on my GFs newer one she has a button u push that blocks the number.
If you have a cell phone, there is a feature where only people on ur contact list ring thru. All others go to VM where u can listen and delete. If the same # keeps popping up, then block it.
The problem with scammers is they use several phone #s. They have probably gotten ur info from the internet. Your married and maiden name are probably linked somewhere on the internet. These people are usually in the Mideast or Africa so don't really need to be concerned.
You can also play games with, and outsmart them. If they ask you if you're Miss or Mrs. So and So, just say "no, I've never heard of that person; you have the wrong number." Or you can get silly and say you're Minnie Mouse, or something nonsensical. Sometimes I make weird sounds.
You could also repeatedly (and over and over!) say that you can't understand him. Or misinterpret his words.
I had some fun with the fake computer threat callers, who try to intimidate people into allowing them access to the computers. First I asked what a computer was. That stalled the caller for a minute. Whatever he (and they're usually males who make the computer calls), I paused, then said something totally ridiculous, such as that I don't need a computer b/c I communicate with friends by leaving messages in cans or hiding them in trees. Or sometimes that I communicate by using carrier pigeons.
You can also just answer but make weird noises, or sing off key, and loudly.
Just don't give the callers any accurate information.
I agree with funkygrandma. Let your calls go to your answer machine. I have a recording on mine saying I don't answer the phone unless I know the person; if I know them they should leave a message and I will answer at once or get back to them. To tell the truth it is easy to get ANYONE'S maiden name if you have any information on them. That's why it should not be a security question.
Don't answer your phone. Let the calls go to voicemail. You can also list your phone number on the governments "Do Not Call List," but that will only keep some of the spam calls away. Your best bet will always be to just not answer the calls.
Put all your important and "approved" people into your Caller ID, including doctor's clinic, repair people, church, etc. Then DO NOT ANSWER any call from an unknown number that does not show a name in your Caller ID. Once you answer an unknown number then the scammers know they have a "valid" phone number and person and will be relentless in calling you. If you use a mobile phone you can block the unwanted caller's number. You should change your voicemail message to say something like, "Hi, I'm sorry but I don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Please leave a message and I'll get right back to you." Do not give out even your first name in the voicemail message. This is what I have done. If it is someone important or an authorized person they WILL leave a message, then you can call them back and add their number to your Caller ID. I NEVER answer an unknown number. Important callers always leave a message as instructed.
FYI the IRS, Social Security, the Police, Medicaid, Medicare and your credit card companies NEVER call you first -- they send you snail mail letter with a case number on it. Also, NEVER open up an attachment to an email from an unfamiliar sender no matter how "official" it looks.
If you have a cell phone, there is a feature where only people on ur contact list ring thru. All others go to VM where u can listen and delete. If the same # keeps popping up, then block it.
The problem with scammers is they use several phone #s. They have probably gotten ur info from the internet. Your married and maiden name are probably linked somewhere on the internet. These people are usually in the Mideast or Africa so don't really need to be concerned.
You could also repeatedly (and over and over!) say that you can't understand him. Or misinterpret his words.
I had some fun with the fake computer threat callers, who try to intimidate people into allowing them access to the computers. First I asked what a computer was. That stalled the caller for a minute. Whatever he (and they're usually males who make the computer calls), I paused, then said something totally ridiculous, such as that I don't need a computer b/c I communicate with friends by leaving messages in cans or hiding them in trees. Or sometimes that I communicate by using carrier pigeons.
You can also just answer but make weird noises, or sing off key, and loudly.
Just don't give the callers any accurate information.
FYI the IRS, Social Security, the Police, Medicaid, Medicare and your credit card companies NEVER call you first -- they send you snail mail letter with a case number on it. Also, NEVER open up an attachment to an email from an unfamiliar sender no matter how "official" it looks.