Aug 13, 2012
Got a call from 305-897-3785. Caller ID said Marathon, FL. Didn't answer the first call. Five minutes later, a second call arrived (both on my cell phone). No messages left. After the second call, an unknown woman answered. Refused to give a name. I asked for a supervisonr or manager. They were all in a meeting (go figure). She hung up on me.
I called back again and got another female, who identified herself as Education Resource Center. She would not give a first or last name, but was very pleasant, so I played along. She's "heard" that I want to continue my education (two BS and two MA/MS to my name) and she'd like someone to call me. Someone from LakeView or LakeWood (she changed names several times) will contact me soon to arrange for me to attend at home Masters classes.
The first troll I heard from responded (who refused to give a name, and then hung up on me), when asked about the 305 area code and how the weather was in Marathon, FL, (knowing the Keys as a very regular visitor and a home owner on Key Largo), told me that she was in West Palm Beach. When I suggested that West Balm Beach and Marathon are several hundred miles apart and don't share an area code, she killed the call.
I'd say beware, but this outfit is so utter unprofessional, employing such dolts, that just about anyone that has the brain power to order a phone line would understand the scam.
My only concern is that they've apparently purchased a cell phone list, as the first two calls arrived on my Blackberry.
Be aware, be cautious, be ready to take notes, and be VERY ready to contact the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs, run by Adam Putman.