May 29, 2014
Please read the post that Tamianth left above. The links are very informative concerning these scams & where they're usually coming from.
As has been stated, a call blocker is your best defense. Apps. are available for cell phones at no cost or for less than $10. I've used Mr. Number & Call Control. Both with good results. Of course, a smart phone is necessary. Everyone expecting to combat fraud should have one. That's the way it is now days. If you're on a subsidized phone, I feel for you. There's not much that can be done right now. Frauds don't care if you're in a bad way. They won't care, even if you tell them so. To the Indian fraud calling you, what you receive every month for being an American in bad straits, or on a disability, sounds like a fortune. To him, it is. He's scamming for a fraud. He "earns" less than what comes to $5 US...per day. Even at that, he considers himself to be a "High-Roller". Compared to 90% of his neighbors, he is.
A land-line can be protected by a call blocker. Look for one that can block at least 1500 numbers & entire area codes. There is what's called a "Wild Card" feature. This will allow you to specify certain callers, from any area code, to get through. Even if that area code is blocked. Sometimes this might be called a "White list". You can enter acceptable numbers to ring through. The features will vary by manufacturer. Don't expect to pay more than $100 for a call blocker. Many are available for less than $75. Check Amazon.
With the mid-terms upon us, and a major election year coming, you can expect a deluge of calls from the 202 area code. The Indian frauds have been "spoofing" the 202 area code for years. In their meager minds, they have assumed that Americans will answer calls from the DC. They're hired because they're cheap, not because they're smart.
Lobbyists from the DC are going to encounter a lot of problems when their callers get blocked or hung up on. Well, that's what happens when the people they back forget about the people that vote. Annoyances become itches, itches become rashes. Rashes become a lot of people, from either party, that don't like being used or ignored.
Be Safe. Be Aware.
Gunnar