topic Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages in Get Support

Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

B20 — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 10:12:36 GMT

I had one phone number and started to receive scam phone calls and text messages on it, so I changed the number. The new number was no better. I still received scam phone calls and text messages. I changed that number, too. For a few days with the most recent number, I didn't get any such calls or texts and then the scam phone calls and text messages started again. The scam calls are in Chinese and I don't even have text messaging in my phone plan. Public Mobile just sends a message that I was sent a text message. What can I do to be rid of these scam calls and text messages?

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

softech — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 16:50:12 GMT

Scam calls are common these days..not really a PM issue. They targeted any phone number.

When try to change number, pick one that is in the new area code. Numbers from new area code has less chance being a recycle number, at least likely less owners from before.

Also start to NOT pick up those calls. Don't pick up any calls you dun know or you not expecting. I think if you answer the calls, they know its a live number and they might come back

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

Triguy — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:03:33 GMT

PM can't do anything other than suggest you block numbers, or change your number again up to 4 times every 30 days.

What phone are you using I think both Apple and Android have spam calling apps you can use. There is one called trucaller (or something similar)

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

darlicious — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:04:56 GMT

@B20

Use Lenny.....

https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/Using-Your-Service/Lenny-the-Telemarketers-worst-nightmare/m-p/572114#M117710

What is your plan?

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

HALIMACS — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:09:13 GMT

@B20

NEVER answer any calls from numbers/people you either don't recognize or are not on your contact list. It can be difficult to ignore a call, but you will get used to it.

If the person calling you needs you that badly, they will leave a voice message; if they don't bother leaving one, you likely didn't need to hear from them in the first place.

IF YOU DO ANSWER, and the caller is a spammer, it's likely your number will get logged as one which will get answered, so anticipate spam calling to increase (at least in the short term).

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

B20 — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:11:02 GMT

Good advice. Thanks!

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

B20 — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:12:42 GMT

I have province-wide calling.

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

B20 — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:15:28 GMT

I like to keep my phone simple, so I still have the original flip phone I purchased to start off with Public Mobile.

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

HALIMACS — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:17:37 GMT

Ohhh @B20 - well, unless you're on an older legacy plan, sounds like you may be on one of those 'special' plans public mobile offered several months back when they introduced Provincial only calling alongside of Canada-wide calling.

You may wish to consider changing to a Canada-wide plan if the price-point suits you for the features it provides.

See Plans here

If you do find one you prefer, here's how to change plans:

First login to Self Serve to this screen:

Then, click Change Plan:

Then select desired Plan:

Then choose Change on Next Renewal Date:

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

B20 — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:18:21 GMT

Thanks!

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

B20 — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:24:23 GMT

Thanks for this information. I think I'm on the Legacy Plan because I joined PM over 10 years ago.

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

Anonymous — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:37:33 GMT

@B20

just ignore and deleted and blocked,
and if the Scam call happen again and is a lot you can try to change your phone number but is not good idea is will happen the Scam call time to time, you know and you can't stop them,

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

HALIMACS — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:44:23 GMT

@Anonymous

You could stop them. (for awhile anyways...)

Find out where they are, forcibly obtain the device from their cold, slimy hands, then destroy it with a hammer, then politely return it to them.

Probably not advisable, but would be fun.

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

darlicious — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:48:28 GMT

@HALIMACS

No, no, no you just get my bf to ask to borrow the phone for a minute....guaranteed it will be broken in some way shape or form when it gets returned. He's not allowed to even touch my pixel.

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

0PX9O4 — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:53:19 GMT

@darlicious wrote:
@HALIMACS
No, no, no you just get my bf to ask to borrow the phone for a minute....guaranteed it will be broken in some way shape or form when it gets returned. He's not allowed to even touch my pixel.

"Butterfingers" 😂

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

darlicious — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 18:07:07 GMT

@B20

Goodness are you on the $22 province wide talk only plan? With no rewards? Do you talk a lot?

I can understand if you are not a texter but you can pay much less for a better plan.

$15 unlimited incoming calling, SMS/MMS international texts, 100 canada wide outgoing minutes...add the $5/500min calling add on to supplement the plan and you may only need to purchase the add on a couple of times a year and 250mb of data.
$25 unlimited Canada wide calling, SMS and MMS international texts and 1gb of data.

If I read @ShawnC13 post from 4 years ago correctly once you switch from a legacy plans you start recieving accumulated loyalty rewards and the autopay reward ($5+$2=$7) making the above plans $8 and $18!

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

Meow — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 18:21:10 GMT

@HALIMACS wrote:
Find out where they are, forcibly obtain the device from their cold, slimy hands, then destroy it with a hammer, then politely return it to them.

Definitely not good solution! They can get new phone within 5 minutes and continue spamming.

There are way better (not politically correct) solutions...

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

Meow — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 18:28:12 GMT

@B20 wrote:
What can I do to be rid of these scam calls and text messages?

Simple answer is: nothing.

If you answer, they would know you are 'live' person and will share your number with other spammers.

If you do not answer, call will go to voice mail and again they would know it is a 'live' number and continue bothering you. PLUS now you have to access your vmail and delete message.

In both cases you will see and block that number but number could be legitimate if it is spoofed.

You have to live with modern technology annoyances. Same as Windows 10 weekly updates...

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

gpixel — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 18:41:44 GMT

@B20

just pick up the phone call and talk to the rep. that's the best defence. otherwise "call screening" if you have a pixel. they're in the business to make money. if you can waste their time they will leave you alone

changing numbers is the worst thing anyone can do. the spammers have lists of numbers programmed into their system. once they know they can't fool you. you are removed from the list. and if you talk to the rep from the chinese recording you'll find out they aren't even Chinese 😯.

Re: Scam Phone Calls and Text Messages

darlicious — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 18:40:26 GMT

@Meow

Out of the blue I got hit with about 10 spam calls in one day on my $10 account. Well that was it. I typed "Lenny" in the search bar got the phone number and set up my declined call forwarding option to go to Lenny. Well I haven't gotten a single spam call to send to him.

Instead I cracked up @Nezgar listening to me demonstrate how to use Lenny to my bf and m-i-l. Just wait til I show @grumpyneighbour that call will be a keeper!!