We are on the AG's "No Call" list, so we aren't often bothered by telemarketers. Last night I received a call that I want to share with you in order that some eldery or gullible people aren't tricked into this scam.
A lady called identifying herself as Veronica Cooper from a company she identified as Advantage America. She had a thick accent that seemed to be middle eastern, and I thought it was odd that she had such an American sounding name. At first she was very friendly. She even offered me her employee ID number (E4323). She represented herself and Advantage America as a branch of the US Federal Government.
"Veronica" was telling me that as a result of 9-11-01 and the negative impact on the economy, the Federal Government had approved a grant for $12,500.00 for every family in the US in order to restimulate the economy. She said that the funds would be electronically transferred to my checking account, but first she needed my bank's name, the routing number, and my checking account number.
I said that I would happily give her that information if she would give me the full corporation name of her company, a telephone number and a physical address so that I could verify the information about the grant. She told me that I didn't need it, I would be receiving the funds electronically. I told her that yes, I DID need it. She put me on hold and gave me the following information:
Advantage America
14 North Avenue
Winterpark, FL 94245
1-800-410-1888
She then began really pressuring me to give her my banking information. When I told her that I would call her back with it as soon as I verified what she was telling me, she said that their phone didn't accept incoming calls, and again, her voice growing louder, insisted I provide her with my banking information.
I told her that I smelled a scam, and that I would not only be looking up this information but that I would be reporting it to law enforcement. At that point she told me (and this is a direct quote) "Go straight to hell!" and hung up on me.
I immediately called directory assistance with the company name and address only to find that there was no phone number. Gee, what a surprise. I then called toll-free directory assistance and was told that there was no company by that name with a listed toll free number.
At that point, I called our local sheriff's office to report what I perceived to be a scam. The woman that answered the phone took my name and number and said an investigator would call today. I haven't heard from the investigator, but I want to share this information so that no one gets scammed, especially the elderly who are often targets of things like this. I know this type of scam in one form or another has been going on via e-mail since the birth of the Internet, but IMO, people are easier targets on the phone, especially when the person calling says they are a representative of the government.
I plan to share this information with local media as well.
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