I may have to go into hiding...

[Bass Viking]

Yes, they do prey on the less informed, whether in Canada or the US. I have to type this quickly, because, just an hour ago, I got a message from Microsoft advising that my PC will be non-functional by the end of the day .

The IRS is after me and I've never earned money the USA!

 

[Gaolee]

Social Security just called with a taped message. I was between cell towers and the message dropped. I am sure they will call again.

 

[Stewie26]

Is this the new IRS office?
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Pilgrim]

My first sign it's a BS call, is a 3-5 second delay from when I say "Hello" and they start talking. It tells me they're wearing a headset at a computer. I speak very quietly. They will increase the volume of their headset to try & hear me. After a bit, I will shout loudly or make some noise to irritate them.

Most of the time if the number isn't in my contacts (which are 400+ numbers) I don't answer.

If I do, I answer, count two, then hang up if there isn't a human talking to me.

Then I block the number. I know they will try different numbers, but it's a step.

 

[zontar]

Often those scams don't even name who it's for
I get the CRA (Canadian counterpart, more or less, of the IRS) one--but they don't tell me who this is for, as well I get calls that I am about to be arrested for crimes in Ontario.
I don't live in Ontario & while I have visited there, it's been a while--and again--no culprit is named.

 

[rickster4003]

My mom used to blow a sports whistle into the phone, hopefully she blew out a few ears.

 

[Bass Viking]

Often those scams don't even name who it's for
I get the CRA (Canadian counterpart, more or less, of the IRS) one--but they don't tell me who this is for, as well I get calls that I am about to be arrested for crimes in Ontario.
I don't live in Ontario & while I have visited there, it's been a while--and again--no culprit is named.

Bingo! This is the big giveaway.