My cellphone repeatedly rang from an unknown number today. I didn’t answer it, as I don’t normally answer phone calls from unknown numbers. Out of curiosity I googled the Australian number and found out that numerous people from different countries have actually received phone calls from the same number! Apparently it’s one of those calls where they tell you you’ve won a prize and then try to get some personal info out of you. Basically, it’s some kind of scamming scheme. They seem to get our numbers from one of those draw-for-a-car competitions that are often set up in malls. So, be cautious before entering into those contests next time.
Photo: Phil Carrick
Lately there are just so many similar scams going on, where they use big monetary rewards to lure people on. I also found out that there’s a kind of scam that miss call people. If consumers ring back, they are directed to a premium rate number for a prize. They’d be charged for the call and promised prizes that will never arrive. A good judgment of common sense is required here. My motto is, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So if you ever receive one of these calls and the caller asked for money before you can get your reward, that should be your cue to end the call. Or you can get creative and pull a kennysia. Heh.
By the way, I also found this very useful website called WhoCalledMe where you can search unknown numbers and submit any scam or crank calls information there to share with others.
Have you received these kinds of calls before? Do share!
Tags: phone scam
June 11th, 2008 at 5:30 am
cc,
You can speak Malay with them if you ever answer the call accidentally mah. kekeke!
CC: I don’t even understand my Malay anymore, much less the other person. Haha.
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June 11th, 2008 at 11:52 am
All the time cc, all the time especially now when there is an influx of immigrants from China. Once they were bold enough to call office and identified themselves from the immigration dept and depended someone to bail a staff ;(
Emails too mostly from Nigeria informing me I have won big time
Yep, I deleted them 
CC: We live in a dangerous time, have to be cautious about everything. This one is from Australia!
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June 11th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I received a few calls from callers speaking in Mandarin, and I just told them flat out that I don’t understand Mandarin, then I hung up!
CC: Good for you!
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June 11th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I had no idea you were back!!!!
)
WELCOME BACK! It’s so good to see you (read you) blogging again.
Hugs.
CC: Yea i am! Left comments on your blog too! Love the new blog template!
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