Scam Collect Calls

[jake75]

Today I got three calls within 15 minutes - recorded voice says "Will you accept a collect call from . ." Then you hear a muffled voice that seems to say just "x". This is typical of calls from correction facilities I was getting many years ago. At the time I did contacted the prison collect phones service provider and had them block any calls to my number.A current search shows this outfit may be the provider - Securus Correctional Billing Services. I didn't stay on the line long enough to find out if the system just picks up a "yes" or if you have to punch "1" to accept. [So don't ever have a recorded phone message that includes the work "yes".]I read where there is a further scam that asks you to enter "72" which essentially transfers your phone to the convict. From SecurusFrequently Asked Questions:Why am I receiving calls?An inmate from one of our facilities tried to call your telephone number. The call wasn't accepted, therefore we will continue to contact you to inform you that someone is trying to reach you. If you do not wish to receive calls please provide us with your telephone number and we will block your telephone number.

[vibenvy]

Thanks for the info.This is the exact reason why we let our answering machine pick up every time the phone rings. If it's a telemarketer, etc. 99.9% of the time they won't leave a message. If we do happen to answer the phone, we hang up immediately when it becomes obvious it's a telemarketer, etc.

[tpollauf]

Just what do they train x-cons to do while being locked up ??? I usually play along with what FEW scam phone calls I get to the point that they end up hanging up on me. It's entertainment at it's best. In this case, where timing could net them information, then it is probably best to hang up as you did

[tribalman]

yeup. pressing 72 and also typing in your number forwards your number to them. so do not press those.