I just got of the phone with a scammer and thought it would be worthwhile to share my experience.
I received a call from Jamaica (I live in the middle of America). He said he was from Publishers Clearing House and that I had won a substantial amount of money. My first thought was scam, but then I remember a while back I was really into online contests, so maybe I had won something.
I decided I was going to play along until 2 things happened: He asked for money or My social security number.
He started off by giving me a bunch of information: His name, badge number, and who he worked for. Then he started telling me what I had won: A lot of money and a car. The car was going to be dropped off at my house all I had to do was tell him which color I wanted. The check was coming certified cashiers check. Then he asked if I wanted my winnings to be public: They would publish it in the paper and I would be on the news, or private.
At this point I am pretty sure it is a scam (97%), but he hasn't asked me any questions and it may be legit (3% and some money sure would be nice).
Then he starts in on a spiel about taxes and I have to pay 1% of the money just so the IRS can do the taxes. How was I to pay these taxes? Western Union at the Walmart nearest me.
At this point I am convinced it is a scam. I told him I cannot pay it right now and to give me an hour to get the money, and I would call him back or he could call me back.
He did not want to let me go. He said if I got off the phone with him, I could miss out, they had the vehicle on a flat bed truck already in my state (never mind he had asked me what color I want the car 5 minutes prior). They might leave if I don't do this now . I then asked what address would they deliver it to? He responded by saying we would go over all those details after I had sent the 1% check to him.
I have to tell you he almost got me. I had entered contests before, I would love to win the money and he sounded official. He even said I could call him back (I know some scammers only use a phone number once).
But after a quick google search, Publishers Clearing House specifically states that if you win more than $500, they will show up in person. They will never call you, or send you a check.
I can easily see how they could get someone to send them money. I almost did!
Submitted January 12, 2018 at 01:20PM by ufo_pilot http://ift.tt/2EBDUN2
