Habeas Call-us
As a paralegal at a large firm, our office gets a fair number of scam calls. I’ve learned to recognize them and can end them briskly. One day the phone rings, and when I pick up, I get the first warning. After I speak, there’s a pause and a “bloop” sound as the call is routed.
Caller: “Yes, hello, I need to speak with [Senior Attorney].”
Red Flag #2: He used their first name like they’re friends.
Me: “I’m sorry, they’re in a meeting. May I take a message?”
Caller: “No, I need to talk to them. When is a good time for me to call back?”
Red Flag #3: No message, just a demand for their time.
Me: “May I ask who you are and what matter you’re calling in reference to?”
Caller: “My name is Bob, and I’m calling about your financial assets.”
Yeah, definitely a scammer. Time to shut him down.
Me: “We work with several companies regarding our financial assets, Bob, which one are you calling from?”
Caller: “Um…”
Me: “Can’t answer that, can you? Please don’t call here again.”
I hang up. To my surprise, the same number immediately calls back.
Me: “Good morning, [Law Firm].”
Caller: “Is this how you speak to a legitimate business?”
Me: “It’s not, Bob, but I don’t think you’re legitimate at all.” *Hangs up again.*
He calls right back!
Me: “Good morning, [Law Firm].”
Caller: “I will have you fired! Your boss will want to speak to me!”
Me: “My employer doesn’t usually speak to people with no last name who won’t admit where they’re calling from. Good-bye.”
I hang up again and immediately send a message to the work channel advising not to pick up a call from [number] as it’s a persistent scammer. The call is sent to voicemail. Amazingly, Bob did not leave a message for my boss demanding that I be fired, and our firm’s financial assets are just fine.
