Computer Help and Support

Javaman

(63,106 posts) Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:28 AM Sep 2018

not really sure where to post his cell phone question, but here it goes...

over the past year I have been getting random phone calls on my cell.

Not recognizing the number, I would text a response, "sorry, I'm busy right now"

and for the most part, that's it.

but everyone once in a while I will get a text back, "who's this?"

I will respond, "I just got a text from you and didn't recognize the number, so I just texted back that I was busy".

the other person would response with, "I didn't text you".

the conversation from that point would basically go back and forth with me finally suggesting they contact their provider.

in summation, I get calls from people I don't know, respond with a text and the other person claims they didn't call me.

has this happened to anyone else?

9 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

not really sure where to post his cell phone question, but here it goes... (Original Post) Javaman Sep 2018 OP

If I don't recognize a number, I don't answer back. Ohiogal Sep 2018 #1

I'll guess that the phone number was "spoofed." earthshine Sep 2018 #2

1. google the number to see if others are getting spam calls from this number hlthe2b Sep 2018 #3

Blocking that number does nothing because it is a one time return call. They phone bank the scam.. GemDigger Sep 2018 #8

I get those from insurance scams. Never answer but still google to make sure the number hlthe2b Sep 2018 #9

Like others have said up thread, the number is likely spoofed Dennis Donovan Sep 2018 #4

unscrupulous sales organizations and scammers can spoof someone else's number unblock Sep 2018 #5

Telemarketers are using private numbers TxVietVet Sep 2018 #6

It's called spoofing. That has been happening to me for over a year now. GemDigger Sep 2018 #7

Ohiogal

(34,637 posts)

1. If I don't recognize a number, I don't answer back.

Reply to Javaman (Original post)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:31 AM

Sep 2018

Usually that takes care of it. If the call is important enough they can leave a voice mail.

earthshine

(1,642 posts)

2. I'll guess that the phone number was "spoofed."

Reply to Javaman (Original post)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:31 AM

Sep 2018

You're texting a valid number, but that's not the true origin of the call.

hlthe2b

(106,354 posts)

3. 1. google the number to see if others are getting spam calls from this number

Reply to Javaman (Original post)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:32 AM

Sep 2018

2. if so, add your comments. 3. Block the number on your cell phone If it is an iphone, beside the recent phone number you will see an "I". Hit that and scroll down to block number. 4. make sure you are on the no call list (though that has done nothing for me, it occasionally will make you eligible for class action lawsuit settlements against commercial violators. I've received a very small amount from two.

GemDigger

(4,327 posts)

8. Blocking that number does nothing because it is a one time return call. They phone bank the scam..

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #3)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:37 AM

Sep 2018

So there are many many that have received your number.

hlthe2b

(106,354 posts)

9. I get those from insurance scams. Never answer but still google to make sure the number

Reply to GemDigger (Reply #8)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:40 AM

Sep 2018

is not "legit". Then I still block though it is fruitless.

Dennis Donovan

(25,603 posts)

4. Like others have said up thread, the number is likely spoofed

Reply to Javaman (Original post)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:34 AM

Sep 2018

unblock

(54,151 posts)

5. unscrupulous sales organizations and scammers can spoof someone else's number

Reply to Javaman (Original post)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:34 AM

Sep 2018

so you think it's a real person instead of sales call.

the person with the phone number that shows up on your screen has absolutely no idea any of this is going on, so it's no use contacting them.

personally, if i don't recognize the phone number, i just let it go to voicemail.

TxVietVet

(1,905 posts)

6. Telemarketers are using private numbers

Reply to Javaman (Original post)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:34 AM

Sep 2018

for their identity. I get calls from my area code (old residence) thinking it might be some old friend. After missing the call, I'll return call to find an individual that is wondering what's going on.
I believe telemarketers are hijacking private numbers to use as identity for a one-time call to fool you into accepting the call.

GemDigger

(4,327 posts)

7. It's called spoofing. That has been happening to me for over a year now.

Reply to Javaman (Original post)

Fri Sep 7, 2018, 11:36 AM

Sep 2018

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=B6iSW72hEc-vzwLtzLmQCA&q=spoofing+phone+numbers&oq=spoofing&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.0i131l2j0l8.876.4257..9691...0.0..0.264.1502.0j8j1......0....1..gws-wiz.6zZnXbKM2DM

One time I called someone back and they said they were returning my call. I explained to them that it was not me and they started screaming at me that this was the number that called. I get (so called) return phone calls several times a day every day.

I would love to know what the people are trying to sell when they get someone who answers the phone.

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