Phone call from USA re shares

Macgrrl

I've reported this to the fraud line & registered him with the telephone preference service so at least that's a start, thanks for everyone's advice

AnotherJoe

Macgrrl wrote: »

I've reported this to the fraud line & registered him with the telephone preference service so at least that's a start, thanks for everyone's advice

Unfortunately scammers don't take notice of TPS and international calls aren't affected by it anyway.

There are simple and cheap devices / phones you can get which will allow him to block calls that aren't in his "known list" and also number withheld amd international numbers. Might that work?

Can you get more interventional, such as getting control of his finances so he can't make payments out to scum like this ? At least he is asking you but the fact he is asking is somewhat worrisome as almost self evidently this is a scam operation and these people pass numbers around of anyone who interacts with them so he is likely to get more calls and their plausibility will likely rise.

badger09

Macgrrl wrote: »

I've reported this to the fraud line & registered him with the telephone preference service so at least that's a start, thanks for everyone's advice

So sorry to hear about your dad's problems. These scumbags will not now give up as they have his contact details.

I echo AnotherJoe's suggestion re a call screening device

Have a look here for some info
http://blogs.which.co.uk/technology/phones-3/six-ways-tech-can-stop-nuisance-calls/

http://blogs.which.co.uk/technology/phones-3/call-blocking-devices-eveything-you-need-to-know/

Lots more info around.

If possible, also persuade your dad not to talk to ANYONE about money/finances without talking to you first. I know this can be difficult with fiercely independent elderly parents/siblings etc, so good luck with that:o

mikb

AnotherJoe wrote: »

these people pass numbers around of anyone who interacts with them so he is likely to get more calls and their plausibility will likely rise.

And the scam will also morph: Watch out for the 2nd wave callers who will be calling from [police / government / ActionFraud / CIA / FBI / your-bank] who will be trying to "help" your father.

Invariably it's the same criminal groups trying a different tack, as in "you were previously contacted to sell some shares, we know all about it, it was a scam, we need your help to catch these people ... " -- next thing, requests for copies of documents, maybe a payment for some legal fees ...

Definitely keep an eye on this!

jennyjj

Sorry Macgrrl that it's all doom and gloom in this thread. These low-life scammers really are the scum of the earth. There's no expletive strong enough to define them and no punishment harsh enough to mete out to them.*

To them, it's just a business.
To the third parties contracted by them it's just business too.
To the half-wits that make the calls thinking that they are some sort of 'customer service advisor', it's just a job.

*Break them all at the wheel I say.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_wheel