The Truth Hurts, Doesn’t It, Buddy?
My mum has recently bought a house after divorcing my dad. I live with her and pay board each week to cover groceries and some bills. However, I am definitely not renting, nor do I have anything to do with mortgage repayments or homeownership.
I receive a call from an unknown number. Since I’ve been applying for jobs, I answer.
Me: “Hello, [My First Name] speaking.”
There’s a long pause, which I recognise as a scammer calling, about to begin their script.
Scammer: “Yes, is this [My Full Name] speaking?”
Me: “Yes?”
Scammer: “Do you own the house you are currently living in?”
Me: “Oh, no, I do not.”
Scammer: “Are you renting? We have ways of helping people who are renting.”
Me: “No, I am not renting.”
Scammer: “So, you own the house, then?”
Me: “No, I don’t.”
Scammer: “So, you are renting, then?”
Me: “Nope. Not renting.”
Technically, I’m not lying. Also, I have time to spare, so let’s have some fun!
Scammer: “So, you own the house?”
Me: “No, I really don’t.”
Scammer: “So, you don’t own the house, and you’re not renting?”
Me: “That’s right.”
Scammer: *Frustrated* “Well, it has to be one or the other! You can’t live in a place that you don’t own or rent! Do own the house or do you rent the house?”
Me: “I told you, neither!”
He let out an exasperated sigh and hung up on me. I told my mum, and she laughed and congratulated me for getting a scammer to hang up.