This is one of the ones that I didn't fall for, so I'm delving into conjecture with the complete process. What they were trying to get out of me eludes me. So far, my best tactic for avoiding these people is to pretend I don't have a car. I welcome any other suggestions.
How It Works
- Ring the mark concerning a car accident
- Verify details including car registration plate [which they already have?] and the date of accident [which they already have?]
- ??????
- Profit!
As near as I can figure, this lot were trying to get me to sign on for one of those "emotional damages" lawsuits that clog up the courts and are dubiously legal to begin with. Possibly soaking me for all the "legal fees" they could eat.
Story the First
This is the one that got me the furthest in. There was that long pause between me picking up and their connecting with my phone. I had also recently witnessed a car accident between four players, so there was some evident confusion in the process.
They confirmed my name, address, and birthdate. Then they wanted to talk about my accident. Wait, what? No, but there was literally minimal damage in any car I crashed.
They wanted to speak about the prangs I had in my First Car, the Zippy Orange. Now me, being a total dummins, can barely discern a volkswagon from a winnebago, plus that car had been traded for a different model since. Sum total of my accidents - very low speed, and very low damage.
Them: You may be entitled for compensation for your accident.
Me: Er. HOW? Literally nobody was hurt and the damage to the cars were minimal.
Click.
Oh ho. The rat stinketh.
So, for the subsequent calls, I was prepared. It usually went like this:
Them: I am calling you today about your car accident.
Me: All my car accidents are not worth the bother, and I'm not suing anyone, have a nice day.
Click.
Most recently, though, if they contact me about my car accident, I just tell them I don't have a car.
How to Stop it
The rule of the internet is, "Don't feed the trolls," so I guess the rule of answering a number you don't know is the same. Don't give them any information, don't be the kind of mark they'd like to take for a ride.
...but especially don't answer the phone if it's a number unfamiliar to you. If they really want to get into contact with you, they'll leave a voice message.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / emielcia]