Twice over last month I've gotten calls from scammers who say they're my TV provider and I need to turn on the tv because changes have been made in the operating system and if I don't turn it on my programming will be affected. Obviously a scam but assuming that I turned it on what would they do?

This time I acted concerned and said you're calling from Dish? Guy said yes. Told him that's strange, I have Verizon and hung up.

Again...why are you answering calls from companies or people you don't know?

Curiosity. The need to know is irresistible for many. Scammers thrive thanks to this.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
Again...why are you answering calls from companies or people you don't know?

Concur. You simply need to add a call blocker to your phone which will silence anyone not in your contacts list. If it is someone not in your list who is legit they'll leave a voicemail for you and you can go from there.

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
Again...why are you answering calls from companies or people you don't know?

Concur. You simply need to add a call blocker to your phone which will silence anyone not in your contacts list. If it is someone not in your list who is legit they'll leave a voicemail for you and you can go from there.

Some people get work related calls from people not in their contact list. As a first responder at work, anytime someone gets injured, I get a phone call from someone.
Just because you can ignore calls does not mean everyone else can.

If your TV provider makes revisions, it can do them without you, or your TV, being involved. Your TV, or DVR, or computer, or devices, are just receivers and have no effect on the signal.

If you get a call from any provider, just hang up.

I don't think it's a scam. I got the same call and it was all professional. I turned on the tv. then he had me strip down to just my socks while I press the mute button. My next bill will reflect the lower rate I'll be paying.

It’s always amazing to me how successful these must be otherwise you wouldn’t get 4-5 scam calls a day. Who is like “omg if I give me cable company a gift card they’ll save me money?”

quote:

You simply need to add a call blocker to your phone which will silence anyone not in your contacts list.

In my vision of retirement in a few years, this is one thing I most look forward to. That and having my phone silenced at night.

Alas, for now I can't screen calls in my current role.

quote:

Originally posted by Kskelton:
It’s always amazing to me how successful these must be otherwise you wouldn’t get 4-5 scam calls a day. Who is like “omg if I give me cable company a gift card they’ll save me money?”

Actually they are not successful by volume of calls made, but making the calls is so cheap to do that the rare scam call that pays off provides an excellent return on investment. The ridiculous call to action -- for example, government agencies demanding that payments be made in gift cards -- works to qualify the mark. If the mark is credulous enough not to question "why gift cards?" the scammer knows he/she has a "live one" on the hook.

As to the OP's original question of why he was asked to turn on his TV: the scammer is trying to establish his/her authority over the potential victim. The person who will go along with the scammer's initial harmless commands is demonstrating their tendency to do what they're told, and also, remain on the phone. These two behaviors also indicate that they are a good mark for the scammer's call to action.

Average income of India is $2,150 per year. Pretty strong motivation.

There are a myriad of good responses to such a call:

"My TV is already on"

"I have 5 TV's that are all on right now"

"I don't have a TV"

"Sure, just give me the PIN number ya'll gave me for verification"

"Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?"

"Are you taking any prescription medication?"

The ever popular....
"What are you wearing?"

...and so much more.