Lara, the banks and credit card companies have all the default accounts that they foresee happening factored into their "bottom line". They know there will be some bills that will not be paid but I agree that they tempt the people who can least afford it.

After my DH passed away I got several "pre-approved" credit card offers and a couple of them had checks that were made out to ME with a letter stating all I needed to do was deposit the check and the money was mine. This should be illegal.

Kitty, that's shocking.

I just got this call a few hours ago......had already heard of this scam so I just hung up. Stupid people.

Debi from Georgia

Wiix, I am very sorry this happened to you. It can be a bit frightening at first. Thanks for starting a thread on this.

Thanks to all contributors of this thread. My mother is a senior citizen and the scam calls come in every day. Some of these scam artists are very convincing in their tactics, as they tap into fear. If my mother has questions about a call, she sends the call to me. I screen the call. Many callers hang up when they are told they have to speak to one of her adult children.

They are told not to call back and there are regulations around this; however, many disregard the request and the regulations.

Great topic to address.
Thanks again.

Warmly,
DejaVu

We've even had TV public service announcements about this fake IRS scam ,, as well as the jury duty scam..and warrant for arrest if fees not paid.. etc..
phone calls & emails they can come both ways..


http://www.snopes.com/search/?q=IRS+scam

Shows you how desperate people are for money!

I got a call yesterday and the caller ID was "Police SWAT". Now, just seeing that on the phone was enough to rattle me!

I answered and it was a man calling for donations to the Police Benevolent Fund.

I told him I had already donated and hung up.

I hate when police or firemen call for charity or donations... it feels like an extra pressure...
But I just say " I don't donate over the phone..too many scammers"

Or I don't answer....