I called around 1:30 PM (PDT), really close to end of day for them. Posed as old Mexican lady. Picked up by Officer Brandon Walter, Badge ID 46371, my case number MZ72814A. He went ahead and did his spiel, but unlike others, he did not press for my entire SS number. Just the last 4 digits and my zip code. Then he asked the expected bank name and account information, and if I had a debit card connected to those accounts. He asked for the full debit card number with expiration date and CCV. Of course it was a fake card number, but issued by Wells Fargo, the bank that I told him held my account. He finally said you’re on the clear now, tomorrow an officer will personally deliver your new SS card, and promptly hang up.
During calls yesterday, (different number) the scammers no longer ask you to go to the bank to withdraw cash. Instead, they want you to use your debit card to pay for eBay gift cards. So this scam is transitioning. They're skipping the bank withdrawal step.
Either today's scammer had a soft spot for an old Mexican retiree on fixed pension, or the debit card she gave him "bounced". I even explained that my daughter put a freeze on my credit and debit cards because I overspent on Amazon and she was forced to pay my bills. I doubt he understands the concept. One scammer one time even pressed me for the credit limit of by debit card. So I'm not surprised at their ignorance.
@jaymee#135636 Son of a gun… these guys are still at it! Just called and asked for Brandon, told the guy that answered that I was supposed to call him when I got back from the store. He asked if I had the cards and I started to respond: “Yes, I … wait, I don’t think I should be discussing this with you - Mr. Brandon told me not to speak about it to anyone but him and it must remain extremely confidential. Can I please speak with him?”. After a little bit of stumbling, he said he would get Brandon on the phone. I could hear some other scams going on in the background, and had to wait for a minute or two before he got to the phone. And damn it, wouldn’t you know it, just at that moment Granny accidentally hung up the phone 6pm Eastern time. They be working late today!
@Otis#135643 LOL - Darth Vader just called and asked the guy if he believed in Karma… I think he soiled his pants and hung up quick. A couple more calls followed, with “Karma is on it’s way”, and “Karma has you in its sights”. Darth can sound pretty intimidating when he gets frisky like that
@Otis#135646 Sy 3:33 PM PDT scammer answers like an airline pilot, “This is Capt Patrick Morris, we will be landing in 5 minutes …” Must be bored and tired. I pretended to be a fellow scammer, he boasted that he scammed $25,000 today. I said I’m his competition from Philippines and would like to learn from him because he is the best. . He insists I’m Indian, and my English sucks. I said your name is Brandon Walter, badge ID 46371. Cussed me out and hung up.
@drwat#135662 I’ve read about but never directly experienced an attempt to use Zelle or Venmo. They’re evolving to keep up with the times. Thanks for “stupid boy”. As always, they are entertaining.
6pm Eastern time. They be working late today!