Unfiltered Story #57124

(This happened a few years ago when I was a college student. One day, I miss a call on my cell phone. I check my voicemail later when I have a free moment.)

Caller: Hello, this is [name] from [local hospital]. I’m calling regarding a workers’ compensation case for [person I’ve never heard of]. Please call me back at [phone number].

(I figure the caller must have simply dialed a wrong number, but since the call sounds important, I decide to call back and let him know. My call goes to his voicemail, so I leave a message.)

Me: Hi, I received a message from you regarding a workers’ compensation case for [person I’ve never heard of]. There’s no one here with that name, so I think you’ve called the wrong number.

(I assume this is the end of it, and I continue to go about my day. However, a little while later, I again have a missed call and a voicemail message.)

Caller: Hello, this is [name] from [local hospital]. I’m calling to speak with [my name]. Please call me back at [phone number].

(Now I’m thoroughly confused. How did this person get my name and number, and what does he want from me? I call back again, and this time I am finally able to speak with him.)

Me: Hello, this is [my name] returning your call, but I’m rather confused. How can I help you?

Caller: Yes, I was calling regarding a workers’ compensation case for [person I’ve never heard of] at [company]. The accident occurred on [date]…

Me: Again, I have no idea who that is or how I’m supposed to be involved.

Caller: Well, is there any way you can look up the name?

Me: Um… are you asking me to Google him? Look, you’re speaking a foreign language to me here. I have no clue what you’re talking about.

Caller: Do you work for [company]?

Me: I’ve never even heard of [company], I’m a college student, and you’ve called my personal cell phone.

Caller: Oh!

Me: And may I ask how you got my name and number?

Caller: You just came up as one of the people who might be involved. Sorry to bother you. *hangs up*

(Still years later, I have no idea what this was all about. Some people have suggested that the caller was some sort of scammer. I say that if he was, he was quite bad at it as he only asked me for information about a person that I didn’t know!)