The following exchange made my day at 8 AM today. A recorded message on my home landline with a female robo-voice told me to call the IRS immediately to avoid punitive actions. The return number had a DC area code (which doesn't mean the call came from DC).
I knew it was a scam but decided to return the call because I was curious. What follows is a close approximation to the conversation. The epithets are the exact ones the 'IRS agent' (who had a thick Indian accent) used.
ME: I'm calling about a recent message you left to call this number.
IRS: What is your phone number?
ME: 541-75.....
IRS (interrupting me, shouting): WHAT IS YOUR PHONE NUMBER???
ME (raised voice): I AM TRYING TO GIVE IT TO YOU...541-75.....
IRS: DON'T YELL AT ME, YOU MOTHERF***ER!!!
ME: I was trying to give you my number and you interrupted me.
IRS: MOTHERF***ER!
ME (chuckling): You're a liar - you're not the IRS!
IRS: YOU ARE A MOTHERF***ER!!!
ME (laughing): How's the weather in Bangalore?
IRS: MOTHER....(click)
I'm wondering waht the deal was. Was this a 'legitimate scam' (oxymoron) that went awry because the guy lost his temper or someone who gets off yelling epithets at a stranger.
There's likely one more unemployed phone boiler-room worker walking the streets in Bangalore (or some other place) today.
Can't wait until tomorrow morning.
"Nature abhors a moron." -- H.L. Mencken
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