Many, many reports tied to this number, starting Nov. 20, 2007. Several "IRS Grant" or "U.S. Government Grant" scams reported, as well as several claims to be "Fraud Protection", and other aliases aimed at getting identity or bank account information. Some calls sound like "telemarketer" calls, but anyone buying would have disclosed identity or account information. Not surprisingly, calling both Do Not Call list numbers, and cell phones.
Appear to be doing a variety of scams, aimed at getting identity or bank account or credit card info. A number of them involve claims to be with the government, whether "IRS", "Social Security", "U.S. Government Grants", etc. Repeated reports of a thick Indian accent. Cluster of calls in the Connecticut area, particularly Stamford. Only appear to have been using this number about a month.
This report indicates another layer of id theft prior to the call: "jen - 28 Nov 2007 On the nov 23 a man called my cell number he told me he was from the IRS and that they are giving away a grant for 5,000 to 10,000 people and I could use the money for christmass Presents for my child he had my SS# address and date of birth and knew I had a kid. he was asking for my checking info I told him no, and I asked him for a number so i could verify it was the IRS. he said that I would get one as soon as I gave him my checking info to him I would get a customer service number When I said no he put me on the phone with anouther man who kept pushing me to give my info I told them to call me back on monday so I could look on the intranet. they both sounded like they were from pakastan or something like that. They only way I can figure out how they got all that info is that they somehow got my tax info cause they had my cell my ss# address and knew my childs name. the only place that has that info is H&R block I file my taxes their every year Caller ID: 6172240808"
Phony "mortgage lender": "boots - 29 Nov 2007 Called using a foreign accent, pretending to be a mortgage co. asked for the "lady of the house" Told him no thank you and hung up. Called two days previously, didn't leave message Caller ID: unknown"
"m - 30 Nov 2007 Called and stated he was from Teleguard Services. It was a fraud unit that wanted to put $895 back into our bank account. Of course he wanted our bank information. Said his name was Martin. Said that his number was 866-402-3926. When I did not give him any information he hung up on me. Caller ID: Cambridge Ma Caller: Teleguard Services"
Selling drugs ("pain killers"), claiming to be with the FDA: "Danny - 1 Dec 2007 this guy has been calling me and i just spoke to him. Indian accent. offerd me pain killers and mucsle relaxer medication. said i could get 90 pills for $75. and asked if i took any medication. i said yes bcuz i got out of the hospital a few days ago from burns i sufferd on my hand's. the hospital perscribed me hydrocodone and that was one of the pills he offerd me. i asked him how he got my number and he said they were connected with the FDA food and drug administration. its pretty bugged out this dude called me ofering me that. i told him no i dont need anymore and he asked when he could call back and i told him he dont need to im all better now.this number has been calling me off and on for the past week. but i would miis the call. or when i answerd he would hang up. damn i didnt know this guy called all of these people, kinda bugged out. Caller ID: 617-224-0808 Caller: unknown"
Phony "debt collector" scam: "Central Ohio - 3 Dec 2007 A woman called, with an Indian accent, more Americanized than pure Indian, She told us that we owe $500 for internet advertising from 3 years ago. I said I never did advertisement and I never received a written notice. She said I did all the work on the phone and if I gave her my credit card number she would take care of it. I said "you think I'm that stupid to give my credit card number to some random person?" and she replied "you must pay or we will come to your office." At that moment I chuckled and said "Okay, come on over. I'll be waiting for you." and the woman replied "b*tch give me your credit card number." I hung up. I don't need to be disrespected by a complete stranger. She called back and cursed me out. I laughed at her and told her to get a real job. She called again, I was just getting amusement by her which is why I picked up. She said I need to pay. I told her no and she said my credit score will be bad. I said "okay, let it be bad." She just said "fine, you're not worth it anymore. I don't need your credit card number."
Obviously it was a scam!!!! Caller ID: 617-224-0808"
Attempted id theft from elderly: "Rosalie - 4 Dec 2007 A man called an elderly neighbor from this number a few times saying he was calling from a gov agency. He asked for her age, dob and soc sec no. This is one time it's a good thing she can't hear very well. She gave the phone to her aide and the aide hung up on him. She told her not to give him any info and to just hang up on him. Every time he called back she hung up on him. Caller ID: 617-224-0808 unknown Caller: unknown"
Trying the suplemental medicare insurance scam: "terrie - 4 Dec 2007 hr called my mother today and she had trouble understanding him (spanish accent) i looked up his area code boston he wanted bank account information mentioned medicare"
Second report of using the name "American Mortgage": Lauravillian - 5 Dec 2007 phone rangat 11:41 a.m., I answered, pause, man's voice, foreign accent, says, "Hello, is this ________(my first name). " I say, "yes". He says, "this is Peter from American Mortgage. How are you?". I said, we are not interested in a mortgage and hung up. Caller: American Mortgage- or so he said"
Another "government agency" claim, this time "Social Security": "james - 5 Dec 2007 he said he was with social security, when I began asking questions, he hung up Caller ID: 617-224-0808 Caller: unknown"
"Lotto" scam: "Patty Sue - 6 Dec 2007 I won a lotto of 2.5 million us dollars. They call so many times. we are on the don't call list but, they still call. Caller ID: don't Caller: don't know foreign voice"
Another report they already had some account information: "Noone - 7 Dec 2007 a Friend just got a call from this number, trying to give her 3500 but had her account number and address, She has reported it to the bank and Police."
Another "IRS" phishing scam: "parker again - 8 Dec 2007 called this time he said hes part of the us government saying he needed tax info Caller ID: 617 224 0808"
0
tj
Because they are attempting identity theft by impersonating a goverment agency, and calling across state lines, if you receive a call from these jokers, call the local office of the FBI.
"Mary - 20 Dec 2007 Called my 91 year old grandmother asking her for her SS# and bank account info............she would not give it to them!!!! SCAMMERS"
"Beast - 21 Dec 2007 Got a call saying they worked for a fraud company and I was due a refund for money taken from my checking account. She could not tell me which account but wanted an account number to put the money back into. I could not understand her accent (indain possibly) and asked for a supervisor at which time she hung up. Caller ID: (617) 224-0808 Caller: Star ..... Caller Type: Commercial"
jen - WARNING.... - 22 Dec 2007 a man called stating that i was selected to recieve a $5000 grant from the u.s. government.... he said he was from the IRS.. Internal Revenue Services.... i jumped on here and researched the phone number while i had the guy on the phone... of course he wanted my bank account information and all of that but i didn't give it to him.... on my caller id it actaully shows up as 011-617-224-0808 and it says Cambridge, MA.... he had my cell to and when he called my cell it just showed up as the 617-224-0808 ...... so i tried calling it back but it rings a couple of times then says something about everyone being busy to call back later..... SO BE CAREFUL.......... IT'S A SCAM Caller ID: Cambridge MA Caller: IRS"
"andy - 2 hours 46 minutes ago This guy keeps calling using different numbers, his english is so horrid I can't understand much of what he says. He's using a very old scam saying he's with the security department of a bank...first he tried to tell me money had been taken out of my checking account, when I asked what bank he changed and said it was a credit card of mine that had money stolen from it. I told him to learn english and hung up on him. I've already written about the other number he used...as I'm writing this he tried again this time blocking his caller I.D. information...my comcast feature is supposed to block those calls but I have to turn it on at least five times a day, comcast can't explain why the feature becomes deactivated. Caller ID: 617-224-0808 Caller: unknown"
0
tj
Wide range of reported scams, including phony business solicitations, and phony "Dish Network" telemarketing, impersonating "U.S. government tax department" [sic], "fraud recovery" returning "lost money", etc.
I've been getting calls from this number regularly. The man with an accent identified himself as the Treasury department. They want to verify my address so they can send me federal grant money."
"T.J. (18 days ago)
I just recieved a call from some guy I believe he is from india claiming that he was from US government tax department. And when I ask him if he knew what my name was he hung up."
"Lynn (12 days ago)
I've been getting these called for a few days now. first my husband answered and he was told that it was teleguard from fraudrecovery.com and that they were calling to let him know that money had been taken out of his bank account two to three years ago and that they were going to put it back for him. They said it was $500 and wanted his bannk account number so they could put it back. ..."
"Ballzout - 6 Dec 2007 So far I've been called 3 times today, and I found this site looking for info on this number. At 9:15 a.m. and 10:06 a.m. from 617-224-0808. Then at 11:14 a.m. I was called again from and an unknown ID. All 3 times I answered and a woman with an Indian accent asks to speak with me and she confirms my first and last name. Then she identifies herself as _______ from some health company and asks if my current adress is correct (which it is). She says that she is sending me my new health insurance card. I say "I just got a new card a couple months ago. Why do I need a new one?" She says, "this health insurance will not affect your current insurance." "I will be giving you a confirmation number, I just need to varify that your bank is in...". I say, "they have many branches, but what does that have to do with health insurance?" Then the line goes dead."
"Anaya - 6 Dec 2007 This Indian/Arab accent man has been calling my house as well... asking 4 banking Info saying they are from Medicare. When I told them that they were a fake. They asked if they could F**&^ me. Thedy must be stopped! Thanks for all of the postings. They help me to move forward. Thanks. Caller ID: 617-224-0808 Caller: UNKNOWN"
0
tj
Second report tying together 866-402-3926 with 617-224-0808.
Somone from teleguard services just called me trying to collect my bank information over the phone and I reallthink it was a scam…..They gave me a 1 (800) number at first that didnt work, then they gave me this number 1(866)402-3926 I spoke with a alex Murphy and a terry biars so i am not sure if this is legit or not. They had my address and all my phone numbers on file….They also knew what bank I nabked with and they claimed that I would receive a refund of $750 electronically in a few days due to recent scams and fraudelent activict they wanted to recover the stolen funds?"
0
tj
"Activities" under the name "Teleguard", reported by Bob Sullivan on msnbc.com:
By Bob Sullivan MSNBC July 18 - Telemarketing predators apparently have a great new source of leads: a database of victims who have recently been scammed. MSNBC.com has learned that Canadian-based criminals are calling recent scam victims around the United States, promising to get their money back — for a fee. The telemarketers claim to be working on behalf of official agencies, such as the New York State Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau. ... Chao said the current flurry of scam calls is coming from a Canadian-based group that uses multiple names: among them are Teleguard, Telenetworx, and Smart America Services. But the callers always use the same phone number, 866-273-7227. For an address, they use a post office mailbox in upstate New York, near the Canadian border. The U.S. address helps deflect suspicion, but mail sent there is merely forwarded to an office in Montreal, according to Chao.
When MSNBC.com called Teleguard, an operator there defended the company’s services
“We take them off the buyers list,” he said, but wouldn’t explain what that meant. “If and only if they have been frauded we get the money back.” He couldn’t explain how stolen funds were recovered, saying only “that’s a different department.” ... Alexander London Tobin called to say he was director of operations for a company named Telenetworx. Tobin said Telenetworx has run several anti-telemarketing campaigns, using the names Teleguard and Smart American Services. He admitted a rogue employee made calls at one point posing as a government official, but said the employee was fired. He also conceded there have been customer complaints, but argued they were small compared to the number of customers the company serves.
“These situations than have occurred but are minimal compared to amount of members who are satisfied,” Tobin said.
Telenetworx, he said, is actually based in Vermont, but uses a New York State address, and outsources customer service to operators in Montreal. Tobin, himself a Canadian, was in Montreal when he called.
He defended the company’s claims it could recover stolen funds, suggesting Telenetworx employees regular help customers get fraudulent charges removed from their credit cards.
The Better Business Bureau of New York indicates on its Web site that in April it received two complaints about the firm. Tobin said the firm had cleared up those matters, but the Better Business Bureau indicates on its Web site that Teleguard did not respond to the complaints.
‘ICON AMERICA’
The post office mailbox in New York has been used in other frauds, Chao said. In a bit of verbal irony, in another fraud complaint the company attached to that address is “Icon America.”
When they call, the telemarketers always misidentify themselves, claiming they are calling on behalf of the New York State Attorney General’s office or the Better Business Bureau. ..."
0
tj
Not clear how tied this company is to above phone numbers. From Teleguard's BBB report:
"Customer Experience The BBB has processed no customer complaints on this company in its three-year reporting period.
It has been reported that the company represents themselves as calling on behalf of the Better Business Bureau. Teleguard has no association with the Better Business Bureau and is not authorized to make calls on the Bureau's behalf. The Bureau has requested that they immediately stop using our name in their selling presentation.
The firm has an unsatisfactory report with the Bureau for falsely claiming an association with the BBB and because they have not responded to complaints.
Business Contact and Profile Name: Teleguard/Telenetwork Phone: (866) 273-7227 Address: 1320 Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919
Business Category: Soliciting Organizations, Credit Cards-Protection Service BBB file opened: April 04, 2002 "
BBB report on "Easton Consulting Group" Apparent "government grant" scam. Using address: "1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919"
Only connection may be that above address is a mail drop or mail forwarding service, used by both legitimate and illegitimate businesses. Its location near the Canadian border may make it convenient for cross-border scam operations.
Customer ExperienceBack To Top Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to unanswered complaint(s).
Our file contains a pattern of complaints from consumers who report that they received a postcard from Easton Consulting advising them that they are eligible for free government grants. Consumers who have called the company report that they are required to give personal information such as their social security and driver's license number as well as their bank account number. They are then charged $349.97. Consumers who requested a refund have been unable to receive their money back. Consumers also report that they were treated rudely by employees.
Business Contact and Profile Name: Easton Consulting Group Phone: (800) 935-4591 Address: 1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919
Business Category: Government Grant Services BBB file opened: August 03, 2006 Additional Locations and Phone Numbers P.O. Box 3329, Champlain, NY 12919, Clinton County
Territoire Mohawk, Case Postale 1876, Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0
(800) 935-4589 (800) 935-4592 (866) 400-0464
Customer Complaint HistoryBack To Top The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgment on the validity of complaints filed.
Number of complaints processed by the BBB since the firm's BBB file was opened in August 2006: 266 in the last 12 months: 120
Complaints Concerned: Selling Practices (149 complaints) 1 Unresolved 148 Company did not respond
Advertising Issues (7 complaints) 7 Company did not respond
Service Issues (18 complaints) 18 Company did not respond
Credit or Billing Disputes (8 complaints) 8 Company did not respond
Delivery Issues (12 complaints) 12 Company did not respond
Refund Practices (31 complaints) 31 Company did not respond
Product Quality (1 complaints) 1 Company did not respond
Contract Disputes (5 complaints) 5 Company did not respond
Guarantee or Warranty Issues (5 complaints) 5 Company did not respond
Alternate Business Names Potomac Fidelity Group Stacey Enterprises "
0
Rebecca
My husband just received a call from 617-224-0808. A man, claiming to be a representative of the IRS, wanted his bank account information to deposit $1000 in to his account for "paying his taxes", and then deposit an additional $500 per month for the next 12 months. My husband called me to google the number, 10+ hits came up for the number listing various scams. This is an apparent scam, but I wonder if this is something I need to report to the IRS?
0
tj
These scams wouldn't keep going unless someone was falling for them. Tolerating them only lets them learn to get better at scamming.
For other than phishing schemes, you may report the fraudulent misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property by calling the TIGTA toll-free hotline at 1-800-366-4484 or visiting the TIGTA Web site." http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/contact_report.shtml
0
tj
These particular scammers appear to like pretending to be with federal agencies, whether "Social Security", "IRS", "Medicare", as well as the usual "government grant", or advance fee loan scams. As such, they are particularly targeting less sophisticated consumers including the elderly who might be worried about their Social Security payments or Medicare coverage. Evil sociopaths.
0
tj
Advance fee loan scams often require wiring of "advance fee" payments via Western Union, which would not require access to EFT systems, but allows them to disappear with the money quite anonymously.
With their other scam variants, however, the fact that they are phishing for credit card and bank account information indicates they probably have a channel to put thru charges against those types of accounts.
0
Steve
Received call asking for a member of the household. When I answered that the household member was not home I asked "may I ask who is calling" the party on the other end who sounded foreign, stated "it's none of your business". I hung up.
0
tj
Since they already have some information on a member of your household, they are likely to call back and try again. You would be wise to educate everyone in your household on the nature and proper handling of scam callers. "Just hang up".
If you are on the Do Not Call list, file a complaint on the FTC site. If you are not, get on it.
0
john doe
who is ballout.....?????
0
Dupie
My sister was called by someone calling themselves World Wide Promo. They are selling what they call "Identify Theft Service". They collected about $400.00 directly from her checking account. My sister is very forgetful and does not remember anything. After about a month and a half to two months, they sent 2 booklets which are "Inentity Theft Prevention" and "What Telemarketers don't want you to know". They use the address at 1320 Route 9, Champlain, NY. I have called them several times and they always tell me the same thing. They say that I cannot do anything until after she received the package. The package arrived today and it is only the two booklets. I will check with the Attorney General of my state on Monday.
0
Jeff
I had someone claiming to be from the Detroit taxation Centre looking for employment information from my place of business. Turns out this was an ex husband looking for income information on his ex wife. Is this fraud? Is this illegal?
Comments
If you gave out such info, you would be wise to at least put a fraud alert on your credit reports.
This is an older IRS press release on "IRS" related scams, but there have been increasing reports of phone "IRS" scams.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154848,00.html
Many, many reports tied to this number, starting Nov. 20, 2007.
Several "IRS Grant" or "U.S. Government Grant" scams reported, as well as several claims to be "Fraud Protection", and other aliases aimed at getting identity or bank account information. Some calls sound like "telemarketer" calls, but anyone buying would have disclosed identity or account information. Not surprisingly, calling both Do Not Call list numbers, and cell phones.
Appear to be doing a variety of scams, aimed at getting identity or bank account or credit card info.
A number of them involve claims to be with the government, whether "IRS", "Social Security", "U.S. Government Grants", etc.
Repeated reports of a thick Indian accent.
Cluster of calls in the Connecticut area, particularly Stamford.
Only appear to have been using this number about a month.
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-617-224-0808
This report indicates another layer of id theft prior to the call:
"jen - 28 Nov 2007
On the nov 23 a man called my cell number he told me he was from the IRS and that they are giving away a grant for 5,000 to 10,000 people and I could use the money for christmass Presents for my child he had my SS# address and date of birth and knew I had a kid. he was asking for my checking info I told him no, and I asked him for a number so i could verify it was the IRS. he said that I would get one as soon as I gave him my checking info to him I would get a customer service number When I said no he put me on the phone with anouther man who kept pushing me to give my info I told them to call me back on monday so I could look on the intranet. they both sounded like they were from pakastan or something like that. They only way I can figure out how they got all that info is that they somehow got my tax info cause they had my cell my ss# address and knew my childs name. the only place that has that info is H&R block I file my taxes their every year
Caller ID: 6172240808"
Phony "mortgage lender":
"boots - 29 Nov 2007
Called using a foreign accent, pretending to be a mortgage co. asked for the "lady of the house" Told him no thank you and hung up. Called two days previously, didn't leave message
Caller ID: unknown"
"m - 30 Nov 2007
Called and stated he was from Teleguard Services. It was a fraud unit that wanted to put $895 back into our bank account. Of course he wanted our bank information. Said his name was Martin. Said that his number was 866-402-3926. When I did not give him any information he hung up on me.
Caller ID: Cambridge Ma
Caller: Teleguard Services"
Selling drugs ("pain killers"), claiming to be with the FDA:
"Danny - 1 Dec 2007
this guy has been calling me and i just spoke to him. Indian accent. offerd me pain killers and mucsle relaxer medication. said i could get 90 pills for $75. and asked if i took any medication. i said yes bcuz i got out of the hospital a few days ago from burns i sufferd on my hand's. the hospital perscribed me hydrocodone and that was one of the pills he offerd me. i asked him how he got my number and he said they were connected with the FDA food and drug administration. its pretty bugged out this dude called me ofering me that. i told him no i dont need anymore and he asked when he could call back and i told him he dont need to im all better now.this number has been calling me off and on for the past week. but i would miis the call. or when i answerd he would hang up. damn i didnt know this guy called all of these people, kinda bugged out.
Caller ID: 617-224-0808
Caller: unknown"
Phony "debt collector" scam:
"Central Ohio - 3 Dec 2007
A woman called, with an Indian accent, more Americanized than pure Indian, She told us that we owe $500 for internet advertising from 3 years ago. I said I never did advertisement and I never received a written notice. She said I did all the work on the phone and if I gave her my credit card number she would take care of it. I said "you think I'm that stupid to give my credit card number to some random person?" and she replied "you must pay or we will come to your office." At that moment I chuckled and said "Okay, come on over. I'll be waiting for you." and the woman replied "b*tch give me your credit card number." I hung up. I don't need to be disrespected by a complete stranger.
She called back and cursed me out. I laughed at her and told her to get a real job.
She called again, I was just getting amusement by her which is why I picked up. She said I need to pay. I told her no and she said my credit score will be bad. I said "okay, let it be bad."
She just said "fine, you're not worth it anymore. I don't need your credit card number."
Obviously it was a scam!!!!
Caller ID: 617-224-0808"
Attempted id theft from elderly:
"Rosalie - 4 Dec 2007
A man called an elderly neighbor from this number a few times saying he was calling from a gov agency. He asked for her age, dob and soc sec no. This is one time it's a good thing she can't hear very well. She gave the phone to her aide and the aide hung up on him. She told her not to give him any info and to just hang up on him. Every time he called back she hung up on him.
Caller ID: 617-224-0808 unknown
Caller: unknown"
Trying the suplemental medicare insurance scam:
"terrie - 4 Dec 2007
hr called my mother today and she had trouble understanding him (spanish accent) i looked up his area code boston he wanted bank account information mentioned medicare"
Second report of using the name "American Mortgage":
Lauravillian - 5 Dec 2007
phone rangat 11:41 a.m., I answered, pause, man's voice, foreign accent, says, "Hello, is this ________(my first name). " I say, "yes". He says, "this is Peter from American Mortgage. How are you?". I said, we are not interested in a mortgage and hung up.
Caller: American Mortgage- or so he said"
Another "government agency" claim, this time "Social Security":
"james - 5 Dec 2007
he said he was with social security, when I began asking questions, he hung up
Caller ID: 617-224-0808
Caller: unknown"
"Lotto" scam:
"Patty Sue - 6 Dec 2007
I won a lotto of 2.5 million us dollars. They call so many times. we are on the don't call list but, they still call.
Caller ID: don't
Caller: don't know foreign voice"
Another report they already had some account information:
"Noone - 7 Dec 2007
a Friend just got a call from this number, trying to give her 3500 but had her account number and address, She has reported it to the bank and Police."
Another "IRS" phishing scam:
"parker again - 8 Dec 2007
called this time he said hes part of the us government saying he needed tax info
Caller ID: 617 224 0808"
"Mary - 20 Dec 2007
Called my 91 year old grandmother asking her for her SS# and bank account info............she would not give it to them!!!! SCAMMERS"
"Beast - 21 Dec 2007
Got a call saying they worked for a fraud company and I was due a refund for money taken from my checking account. She could not tell me which account but wanted an account number to put the money back into. I could not understand her accent (indain possibly) and asked for a supervisor at which time she hung up.
Caller ID: (617) 224-0808
Caller: Star .....
Caller Type: Commercial"
jen - WARNING.... - 22 Dec 2007
a man called stating that i was selected to recieve a $5000 grant from the u.s. government.... he said he was from the IRS.. Internal Revenue Services.... i jumped on here and researched the phone number while i had the guy on the phone... of course he wanted my bank account information and all of that but i didn't give it to him.... on my caller id it actaully shows up as 011-617-224-0808 and it says Cambridge, MA.... he had my cell to and when he called my cell it just showed up as the 617-224-0808 ...... so i tried calling it back but it rings a couple of times then says something about everyone being busy to call back later..... SO BE CAREFUL.......... IT'S A SCAM
Caller ID: Cambridge MA
Caller: IRS"
"andy - 2 hours 46 minutes ago
This guy keeps calling using different numbers, his english is so horrid I can't understand much of what he says. He's using a very old scam saying he's with the security department of a bank...first he tried to tell me money had been taken out of my checking account, when I asked what bank he changed and said it was a credit card of mine that had money stolen from it.
I told him to learn english and hung up on him.
I've already written about the other number he used...as I'm writing this he tried again this time blocking his caller I.D. information...my comcast feature is supposed to block those calls but I have to turn it on at least five times a day, comcast can't explain why the feature becomes deactivated.
Caller ID: 617-224-0808
Caller: unknown"
http://www.number-lookup.com/phone_numbers/25657/6172240808.html
"Sally (18 days ago)
I've been getting calls from this number regularly. The man with an accent identified himself as the Treasury department. They want to verify my address so they can send me federal grant money."
"T.J. (18 days ago)
I just recieved a call from some guy I believe he is from india claiming that he was from US government tax department. And when I ask him if he knew what my name was he hung up."
"Lynn (12 days ago)
I've been getting these called for a few days now. first my husband answered and he was told that it was teleguard from fraudrecovery.com and that they were calling to let him know that money had been taken out of his bank account two to three years ago and that they were going to put it back for him. They said it was $500 and wanted his bannk account number so they could put it back. ..."
http://www.number-lookup.com/phone_numbers/25657/6172240808.html
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-617-224-0808
News report:
http://www.wvnstv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=32703
"Seniors Warned of Scam Targeting Them
Posted Tuesday, December 18, 2007 ; 06:00 PM
Updated Tuesday, December 18, 2007 ; 08:46 PM
The scam comes on the phone.
Story by Hillary Crowder
BECKLEY -- This holiday season, scam artists are targeting senior citizens. Criminals are calling, asking for bank information.
The scammers call seniors, saying they have a new Medicare number, and that they need to double check their banking information verify their identies.
An actual victim of this scam says the number 617-224-0808 is what showed up on her caller ID when the criminal tried to steal her information.
..."
https://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/6172240808/2
"Ballzout - 6 Dec 2007
So far I've been called 3 times today, and I found this site looking for info on this number. At 9:15 a.m. and 10:06 a.m. from 617-224-0808. Then at 11:14 a.m. I was called again from and an unknown ID. All 3 times I answered and a woman with an Indian accent asks to speak with me and she confirms my first and last name. Then she identifies herself as _______ from some health company and asks if my current adress is correct (which it is). She says that she is sending me my new health insurance card. I say "I just got a new card a couple months ago. Why do I need a new one?" She says, "this health insurance will not affect your current insurance." "I will be giving you a confirmation number, I just need to varify that your bank is in...". I say, "they have many branches, but what does that have to do with health insurance?" Then the line goes dead."
"Anaya - 6 Dec 2007
This Indian/Arab accent man has been calling my house as well... asking 4 banking Info saying they are from Medicare. When I told them that they were a fake. They asked if they could F**&^ me. Thedy must be stopped! Thanks for all of the postings. They help me to move forward. Thanks.
Caller ID: 617-224-0808
Caller: UNKNOWN"
http://fightidentitytheft.com/blog/scam/con-a ... 80%99-database/
"Sabrina
December 12, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
Somone from teleguard services just called me trying to collect my bank information over the phone and I reallthink it was a scam…..They gave me a 1 (800) number at first that didnt work, then they gave me this number 1(866)402-3926 I spoke with a alex Murphy and a terry biars so i am not sure if this is legit or not. They had my address and all my phone numbers on file….They also knew what bank I nabked with and they claimed that I would receive a refund of $750 electronically in a few days due to recent scams and fraudelent activict they wanted to recover the stolen funds?"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078562Con artists use ‘suckers list’ database
"Former fraud victims targeted by new scams
By Bob Sullivan
MSNBC
July 18 - Telemarketing predators apparently have a great new source of leads: a database of victims who have recently been scammed. MSNBC.com has learned that Canadian-based criminals are calling recent scam victims around the United States, promising to get their money back — for a fee. The telemarketers claim to be working on behalf of official agencies, such as the New York State Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau.
...
Chao said the current flurry of scam calls is coming from a Canadian-based group that uses multiple names: among them are Teleguard, Telenetworx, and Smart America Services. But the callers always use the same phone number, 866-273-7227. For an address, they use a post office mailbox in upstate New York, near the Canadian border. The U.S. address helps deflect suspicion, but mail sent there is merely forwarded to an office in Montreal, according to Chao.
When MSNBC.com called Teleguard, an operator there defended the company’s services
“We take them off the buyers list,” he said, but wouldn’t explain what that meant. “If and only if they have been frauded we get the money back.” He couldn’t explain how stolen funds were recovered, saying only “that’s a different department.”
...
Alexander London Tobin called to say he was director of operations for a company named Telenetworx. Tobin said Telenetworx has run several anti-telemarketing campaigns, using the names Teleguard and Smart American Services. He admitted a rogue employee made calls at one point posing as a government official, but said the employee was fired. He also conceded there have been customer complaints, but argued they were small compared to the number of customers the company serves.
“These situations than have occurred but are minimal compared to amount of members who are satisfied,” Tobin said.
Telenetworx, he said, is actually based in Vermont, but uses a New York State address, and outsources customer service to operators in Montreal. Tobin, himself a Canadian, was in Montreal when he called.
He defended the company’s claims it could recover stolen funds, suggesting Telenetworx employees regular help customers get fraudulent charges removed from their credit cards.
The Better Business Bureau of New York indicates on its Web site that in April it received two complaints about the firm. Tobin said the firm had cleared up those matters, but the Better Business Bureau indicates on its Web site that Teleguard did not respond to the complaints.
‘ICON AMERICA’
The post office mailbox in New York has been used in other frauds, Chao said. In a bit of verbal irony, in another fraud complaint the company attached to that address is “Icon America.”
When they call, the telemarketers always misidentify themselves, claiming they are calling on behalf of the New York State Attorney General’s office or the Better Business Bureau.
..."
From Teleguard's BBB report:
"Customer Experience
The BBB has processed no customer complaints on this company in its three-year reporting period.
It has been reported that the company represents themselves as calling on behalf of the Better Business Bureau. Teleguard has no association with the Better Business Bureau and is not authorized to make calls on the Bureau's behalf. The Bureau has requested that they immediately stop using our name in their selling presentation.
The firm has an unsatisfactory report with the Bureau for falsely claiming an association with the BBB and because they have not responded to complaints.
Business Contact and Profile
Name: Teleguard/Telenetwork
Phone: (866) 273-7227
Address: 1320 Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919
Business Category: Soliciting Organizations, Credit Cards-Protection Service
BBB file opened: April 04, 2002
"
Now for address matches on "1320 Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919".
This appears to be a mail drop, used by various businesses.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/181/RipOff0181115.htm
http://www.novarcproducts.com/dealersusa/newyork.html
http://www.prop-protector.com/
http://www.smsmopar.com/public/contact.htm
http://www.clomedia.com/sourcebook/categories.cfm?id=352
http://www.clearpointdirect.com/contact.php
http://www.sogeman.com/html/home.html
http://www.theepgd.com/books/canada/LineCard.asp?book=canada&DistID=50085
Here is a nice form. Just fill in your name, address, and credit card information, for a "National Tax Refund". Same address.
http://www.vancouverisland.com/taxrefund/form1.html
Apparent "government grant" scam.
Using address: "1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919"
Only connection may be that above address is a mail drop or mail forwarding service, used by both legitimate and illegitimate businesses. Its location near the Canadian border may make it convenient for cross-border scam operations.
Customer ExperienceBack To Top Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to unanswered complaint(s).
Our file contains a pattern of complaints from consumers who report that they received a postcard from Easton Consulting advising them that they are eligible for free government grants. Consumers who have called the company report that they are required to give personal information such as their social security and driver's license number as well as their bank account number. They are then charged $349.97. Consumers who requested a refund have been unable to receive their money back. Consumers also report that they were treated rudely by employees.
Business Contact and Profile
Name: Easton Consulting Group
Phone: (800) 935-4591
Address: 1320 State Route 9, Champlain, NY 12919
Business Category: Government Grant Services
BBB file opened: August 03, 2006
Additional Locations and Phone Numbers
P.O. Box 3329, Champlain, NY 12919, Clinton County
Territoire Mohawk, Case Postale 1876, Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0
(800) 935-4589
(800) 935-4592
(866) 400-0464
Customer Complaint HistoryBack To Top
The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgment on the validity of complaints filed.
Number of complaints processed by the BBB
since the firm's BBB file was opened in August 2006: 266
in the last 12 months: 120
Complaints Concerned:
Selling Practices (149 complaints)
1 Unresolved
148 Company did not respond
Advertising Issues (7 complaints)
7 Company did not respond
Service Issues (18 complaints)
18 Company did not respond
Credit or Billing Disputes (8 complaints)
8 Company did not respond
Delivery Issues (12 complaints)
12 Company did not respond
Refund Practices (31 complaints)
31 Company did not respond
Product Quality (1 complaints)
1 Company did not respond
Contract Disputes (5 complaints)
5 Company did not respond
Guarantee or Warranty Issues (5 complaints)
5 Company did not respond
Alternate Business Names
Potomac Fidelity Group
Stacey Enterprises
"
No Tolerance!
The IRS has a link on their site to report IRS phishing impersonations. You might report it there.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=155682,00.html
"To Report Fraud
For other than phishing schemes, you may report the fraudulent misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property by calling the TIGTA toll-free hotline at 1-800-366-4484 or visiting the TIGTA Web site."
http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/contact_report.shtml
With their other scam variants, however, the fact that they are phishing for credit card and bank account information indicates they probably have a channel to put thru charges against those types of accounts.
If you are on the Do Not Call list, file a complaint on the FTC site. If you are not, get on it.
Please respond, action might be taken.