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The Kitchen Table

Another Phone Scam

10 years ago

We got a call on a Sunday with the user ID showing up as "SSI". Of course I didn't answer it, but I hope there isn't anyone out there stupid enough to. Can you imagine all the personal data they could get from someone who thinks they might be eligible for SSI and would give them all their info.?

Featured Answer

cynic

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

You're only half right there sushipup1. SSI is Supplemental Security Income, yes, but it is NOT disability. RSDI (Retirement Survivors And Disability Insurance) is the "disability" program. It's sometimes referred to as SSD or SSDI. SSI is an income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes) designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. People on "disability" are able to also apply for SSI if they meet the requirements but it's very different from the disability coverage.

There's so many scumballs out there. I think phones should have a button on them whereby you can push it to activate dumping a pail of water on them and then give a 50,000 volt zap to telemarketers and scammers. Voltage would increase every time they call someone. That would cut down on the lowlife calls from these "poor people who are just trying to make a living and feed their starving children..." to whom we should talk so nice and considerate!

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Comments (13)

lindaohnowga
10 years ago
We get that call a lot and I do NOT answer.
Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
Annoying solicitation calls have become more frequent, that's for sure. Be proactive, there is telephone equipment (I have a Panasonic cordless unit as one example) and also services from phone line providers that will block unwanted calls.

The challenge is that many change their Caller ID numbers frequently but others do stay consistent. Using any or even several of these alternatives together will cut down on the calls you don't want to receive.
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pkramer60
10 years ago
I have never had the SSI call, but I did get two calls back to back, leaving the message that the IRS will e filing a lawsuit against me and I should call them immediately. Just for the heck of it, I call but the number was busy. No call backs yet....
sushipup1
10 years ago
FYI: SSI is Supplemental Security Income, or Disability. SSA is Social Security. Not that it makes any difference to the crooks.
User
10 years ago
The IRS calls are so pathetic that it's laughable when someone whose first language is pathetically, obviously not English, is telling me the "local police" will show up at my door if I don't pay up.

Ooh....I'm soooooooooooooo scared!
sushipup1
10 years ago
Thanks, Cynic.
User
10 years ago
I'd like to blow an air horn into my phone in hopes of blowing out an eardrum on the other end.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
10 years ago
My mother had a friend who received the IRS scam call shortly after his wife passed away. Thinking that it had something to do with their joint taxes, and being in a befuddled state of mind, he fell for it.

I don't usually receive scam calls on my cell phone, but answered one the other day to find the guy had the typical thick accent, telling me that Microsoft had detected a virus on my computer. I thought about stringing him along, but after asking him to repeat himself a few times, I finally told him that everyone in the US knew about his stupid scam. And hung up.
User
10 years ago
Good old fashioned Police whistle works real well. And much smaller than an air horn. I keep mine right next to the phone. I gave up answering our land line, it's all junk and reporting to Do Not Call doesn't seem to help.
Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
How sad. Throw the Golden Rule out the window, for these people who would probably do other jobs if they could.

If you do that, you'd better hope they don't write your number down and return the favor when they get home from work.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
10 years ago
Post yours, Elmer, and I'll gladly pass it along to the next scammer who calls me. I'm sure he'll appreciate your support.
Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
I was thinking of the ridiculous whistle suggestion but rudeness is also sad.

I feel sorry for those who go through their days always on the verge of exploding with anger. It's rarely necessary and rarely appropriate.

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