Busting phone scammers: Police raids shine light on overseas call centres (Marketplace)

Marketplace journalists got exclusive access to an undercover RCMP investigation into major scam calls that have bilked Canadians of millions of dollars. For two years, we have zeroed in on scammers in Indian call centres targeting Canadians: posing as CRA tax agents, tech support workers or impersonating police and other government officials. Many of you have come forward with stories of being contacted by these scammers and asked why authorities can’t do more to stop these schemes. We’ve always wondered: Are there accomplices in Canada?
To read more: cbc.ca/1.5463838
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[@truthmattersjesusiscoming6460]

Why don't Canada and America run commercials warning people of these scams like they did for smoking, so everybody knows

[@kd5you1]

I've been saying something similar for years... educate everyone so that no one becomes a victim. Even having anti-scam classes at neighborhood community centers or anti-scam awareness block parties so that everyone is on the same page.

[@travis9226]

It's all about money. If they were promoting ads. It would be good.

[@tb9574]

This is common sense. Ppl are so gullible

[@tchallarose3252]

I would encourage people to also receive emails from federal trade commission as well.

[@newtonraymond77]

Because they're too busy scamming people themselves

[@Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliop]

Scammers called me a few times before. A guy with a heavy indian accent told me his name was Bob. I told him my name was marinderdeep.

[@MrFuguDataScience]

That is too funny, I hope more people vote for that comment!

[@rogerauger7766]

I tell them, "I'm Binder Dundat." They go apeshit. LOL

[@harixav]

Lmfao. This is gold.

[@vin8531]

It’s pleasure meeting you marinderdeep 👍👍👍

[@ladyd104]

🤣🤣

[@lmramos44]

Unfortunately it has gotten to the point that when I pick up my phone and I hear an Indian accent I immediately think scammer and hang up. India’s reputation is being destroyed worldwide because of this activity.

[@checkpointcharlie2462]

RC MADNESS San Leandro maybe the Indians will be deported

[@dougrobbins5367]

@Bert India is one of the most corrupt places on earth. Hundreds of rapes reported every day, the cops are paid off, nothing is done. The US has become similar.

[@luzperez674]

Yes RC I actually was a victim, but now my son is my motivation to be strong.

[@rdubbs1983]

RC MADNESS San Leandro I absolutely hate them and want to do violent things just hearing them talk

[@TheChrisey]

@Bert Exactly. I got scammed on $1000 just yesterday doing business with one of these fuckers.

[@sulekhapatnaik2027]

Older folks need to be warned. Hope they can televise programmes like this to avoid scammers profiting from innocent people. Great video.

[@Auntee-Sara]

People of any age who are isolated and lonely are ripe pickings. They are so starved for company and someone to cares that they help the scammers for expressing concern for the bad spot the (conned) person is in.

[@lostone9700]

why so they can forget it tomorrow. the india scams aren't the only scams going. plenty right here at home with religious charity organizations bilking the elderly.

[@KevinKickChannel]

You'll be surprised how often younger people under their 40s fall for scams in WhatsApp or Facebook. On WhatsApp for example there are hundreds of cases where people pretending to be their son/daughter or parent needs money right now for some reason. 9/10 times this scam fails, but the very few times it does work is enough for these scammers to make money.

[@Stark_dan97]

I agree I’ve worked with the elderly as a caregiver. My phone picks up on potential scam calls.

[@michaelbagley9116]

This is Where the media shines in getting things done.

[@FS02012]

For now not for long

[@wez123123123]

mm 12 nah this show embarrasses the government and gets the stuff done about it

[@BalticIOW]

@@wez123123123 Incompitent or overbeurocratic government is still better than a system where corporations, business have any power!

[@veritech1020]

Ben Snider and "mm" seem to be scared of the media. Gee, I wonder why they're so disturbed about this story. LOL

[@carlitosvodka]

god bless you.

[@Noum77]

Simple rule: if someone says "pay up" on your phone, cut the call immediately

[@VideoLeakPolice]

I tell them to go to hell before.

[@treesboi5559]

Well it’s not that simple when it happens to old people

[@isabelgomes9609]

Trees Boi - Why not? What does age have to do with it?

[@isabelgomes9609]

NOUM - There is a better way. I have received some of those calls myself and, every time they call me, I just say: "Well, then! Sue me". It works.

[@iammeliaskhan]

I curse first

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

My mother gets these calls all the time and just says "well I'm a police officer and I can help you figure this out" and they hang up.

[@richardg1426]

Talk to my son his name is Popeye he's in the Navy.

[@charleneferguson7564]

or say "I need to call you back, can u give me your direct phone number?"...They hang up then. Then...BLOCK their number.

[@sharonb.robinson3325]

My mother 90 and she we tell you ok come and get me or she does the same thing and hangs up the phone or yells out to one of us...I personally like to toy with them. First of all most numbers they call from are spoofed and night and day people are warned about scammers. When you get a call and they ask for money and tell you don't tell anyone a light bulb should go off in your head....and why is it that people who can get the money get scammed but not those of us who can't.... pay them no damn mind!!

[@xcoyco]

I tell them im from the federal trade commission and I constantly call them back throughout the day, then block their calls. They keep hanging up! 😂

[@maryfields1382]

My mother is fluent in German and would start talking to them in German. Or, she would listen to their spiel, then start telling them all about her arthritis, dry skin, aching back, etc. They'd hang up on her.

[@beryllines3788]

So these arrests were instigated by information YOU shared in your story. Absolutely brilliant work! May I say, for many victims, THANK YOU. You are legendary.

[@mistie8908]

The telephone companies know darn well who the scammers are and should be held accountable also.

[@marcelineingot9359]

Ever been spoofed? Someone hijacks your number and when they call it is your number that comes up on the id. Almost impossible to trace, these people move about.

[@oracleofottawa]

I really believe that the Canadian telcos take a cut , prove me wrong......

[@gravelbillyone9466]

@@marcelineingot9359 Yes I had local people calling me. Said they missed my call. People I never knew or called. They used my cellphone number !

[@gravelbillyone9466]

You are right. Let's get the gibbiting back.

[@gravelbillyone9466]

So can not the phone company just screen the calls from india and Nigeria?

[@royalemadness5656]

One I got a call saying we will take your car if you don’t give us $2000 I was 12

[@Plant_Parenthood]

Ah man it must have been hard losing your car at such an early age

[@poopmaster]

i just got a call bout that today and i was like funniest thing is I'm 13 and i dont even have a license they hung up

[@critterwhisperer5821]

Jaiden Gamerz aw you should’ve dragged out the call

[@cesar5478]

Lol

[@cryptobull4130]

Give them the money!!!

[@CityGirlCountry]

Once one scammer gets caught, another one comes along. Unfortunately, these “people” have something going for them: our fears and, in some cases, naïveté. They exploit those fears and naïveté, and they get rich with them. Kudos to Marketplace for exposing this booming business, so to speak. We need to know about it before more people get taken for a ride.

[@msmarauder37]

I work with the elderly that lives in independent facilities. I've had to literally stop them from giving out their debit card number to scammers. They target mostly the elderly and its pathetic.

[@moma5501]

Girl I believe you but props to you for helping

[@newmexicoballer3867]

The elderly are so trusting.

[@katherineguan3244]

God bless u

[@gildayu4390]

Right

[@olivesoondar1165]

They are really disgusting , they scammed my friend in Trinidad , pretending to go from USA to Nogeria to work , they scammed her entire retiremwnt funds , a guy promised to marry her & make her real happy & then a second time another scammed her telling her she won a Christmas promotion lottery , but she had to pay delivery & insurance fees , well she learned the hard way to stay ofline with scammers & their false promises

[@toshisteven]

Never trust a person called “Robert Smith of CRA” with a heavy Indian accent

[@JO_Artificial]

toshi steven 🤣🤣🤣

[@antonioemb]

Or Anderson 😂😂

[@beatthedevil1396]

Hello my friend I'm with state financial debt collection.. May I have your social security number. And we need method of payment.

[@eddriver7815]

YOU THINK ????

[@lance8080]

toshi steven never trust Indians !!!!

[@Zoki4444]

The faces of these scammers should be shown and plastered everywhere so everyone knows who they are. Let these cowards who hide in the shadows of overseas call centres be exposed like the cockroaches they are.

[@Universal.G]

Exactly!! Shame them.

[@Ageust2]

Probably not allowed to show their faces until there's a conviction, that would be opening themselves up to defamation lawsuits.

[@IamJacksColon4]

they look like ordinary indians, wont do a damn thing.

[@lloydchristmas4547]

No. We must uphold Due process.

[@amtraktraveler9118]

They are Madarchods.

[@lisabritton6343]

I hope you investigate all these scams. Thank you for doing this for the public.

[@myingaet]

Yes and Poilievre plans to get rid of CBC

[@ThePoisionblack]

That women who has $3000 to pay to fix her phone... why she don’t know she can get new phone with that money?

[@eddierodriguez3472]

Pratik Sharma The funny thing was that it wasn’t her phone that was the problem it was her Facebook account. She could have just made a new account. Or just get off Facebook!

[@everfragoso6313]

Right

[@noetobar5018]

Boxersteavee lol

[@davidjoy7654]

@@eddierodriguez3472 No that was a different lady.

[@iloveanime6441]

@Pratik sharma may be she have important data on her phone

[@NewGuyMix]

props to that whistleblower for being a good man

[@Warren_Flatt]

That’s the last time he was seen alive

[@z3nkin]

@@Warren_Flatt really?

[@sandrawoodward8465]

Don’t be fooled. He was doing it everyday and knew he was going to get caught and put in prison. Once a scammer, thief or abuser always a scammer, thief and abuser.

[@barbaraleonard8379]

The IRS will never ever call you ! You must be the caller to ever get a real IRS agent to talk to.

[@grlzrck3436]

The IRS never answers the phone anyway.

[@Caperhere]

@@grlzrck3436 No.

[@Chahlie]

Funny how as a Canadian I get so many calls about my 'green card' and from the IRS :)

[@user-mi8xf8tq1z]

Good to see these scammers getting arrested. They all need to be arrested and prosecuted.

[@Pleiades_Dolly]

Love and support to all those who have been scammed.

[@specialkayy01]

Unfortunately that doesn’t help them get the money back .

[@rayoperator2699]

If you fall for this you kinda deserve it.

[@sabinepabst4227]

If it sounds too good to be true.....be aware!!!

[@nancydrew1882]

I block these numbers all day and they still call back. I answer and cuss them out. They still call back. A gentleman from Montreal even called me asking why I was calling him in the middle of the the night over and over. I didn’t call this man. He didn’t speak much English so he was so confused when I tried explaining to him that scammers have been using regular peoples phone numbers to call others. It’s a huge mess. The authorities need to do something about these scamming calls!

[@mikedickie4931]

The authorities refuse to do anything about it. I was in the Vancouver Police station to renew a permit and reported a call I had gotten that morning. The officer shrugged his shoulders and said there's nothing we can do.

[@caroleboyce1962]

I've had similar experiences. People have been calling me. I tell them to stop calling me. I block the number and they call me from another number. I now respond with a pre-typed message that says"I don't accept calls from unknown numbers. If your call is important please leave a message and I will get back to you". Needless to say, they never leave a message. But they continue to call from various numbers.

[@jasontan7511]

Don't block these numbers. They use a spoofer so that it looks like the call is coming from a number that is actually owned by someone. It gets changed very frequently so you're going to end up blocking a lot of real people.

[@Nille0212]

@@jasontan7511 if I don't know them, why would that be a problem? My circle is a dot. And I don't plan on changing it any time soon, so I'm not going to worry about blocking a number from Idaho.🤷🏿‍♀️🤷🏿‍♀️🤷🏿‍♀️

[@mylifeasmanta]

i found a setting on my iPhone called "silence unknown callers" - really helped. i don't get any scammers now (but also can't receive calls from anyone i haven't listed as a contact).

[@aakashSky-0]

Scammers with a heavy Indian accent: "Hello, this is George Washington."

[@justdavid8357]

This is certified GOLD

[@mynameisnotimportant2854]

🤣🤣🤣

[@meaneyedcat1248]

Hahaha. Too funny.

[@internationaloutlaw]

For real, they do, full american names all the time.

[@LadyYella]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 omg

[@violetfransky6471]

Way to go Marketplace in helping to come to light how scammed work and sometimes people get caught and arrested. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[@lauraw3338]

My best advice is to waste their time. The longer you keep them on the phone the less people they call.

[@iknow_my_enemy9750]

Me too🤣👏🏻👏🏻

[@sean9983]

Done it many times... 4 hour drive ahead of me, I have Bluetooth, how long can I keep them in the phone!!! ROTFLMFAO

[@sableann4255]

HAHA, Yep!

[@briannotafan3368]

you must want my brother john meoff

[@folabomi713]

Bad advice.if you only pick up the call,they can have access to your phone

[@agotapongor2069]

IRS never calls and threatens you like this.

[@mandalorian_guy]

They don't. They either mail you a notice, file a lien or other tax court claim, or in very extreme circumstances send in a federal task force to kick in your door. Why would they be aggressive with you on the phone? They are just case agents in an office park and have all the leverage. You don't want to pay? Okay, then we will just sieze your paychecks and bank accounts until we get it all.

[@darcyk29]

Also you tell him to stay right there and you are communicating with your lawyer ! Guess what they will hang up

[@chrisclark5204]

I got called once about the IRS scam. I told him to show up with the U.S. Marshals because I was sure they would want to talk to him. Never got called again.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

@Moj Shoj Yes the IRS has said and will keep saying until they are blue in the face, they DO NOT call people. You will be communicated with either by mail or, as someone above mentioned, someone actually knocking on the door (and court summons are handled by a sherrif serving the papers). Never, ever will the IRS call you. Easiest way ever to know these people are scamming you. And indeed, the IRS holds all the cards...they know already where you live, can get your bank account information (actually, they'll just hit your check from your employer directly, cut out the middleman), and seize your house and any other assets. Trust, the IRS dosen't need to call us when they already have everything they need to get their money.

[@robertyoung3992]

IRS Law Inforcement like any other US Government Agency are called Agents not officers

[@Melloyellow17]

A Canadian Threat: “We’ll find you.. and we’ll further investigate”

[@LEva-ki2zk]

Loooool that was the best part of this video

[@talone49]

You have to be very careful about your choice of words in this country when in a position of authority!

[@Melloyellow17]

James McDermott that would be really nice here in the U.S. Tact and professionalism.. props to the Canadians

[@JustMe-hk7xn]

LOL

[@jimjackslak4507]

LMAO

[@sharonleavers3630]

If one is in trouble with the law you don’t get a phone call to warn you. Instead the cops will be knocking on your door to get you.

[@StuffedBox]

CBC Marketplace thank you for raising awareness. If it wasn't for your investigation, not everyone would be aware of this.

[@houseofcheung]

Got called about a car accident I was involved in. I told them I had died.

[@yungaterror]

Haaaaaa

[@friedchickenridebarton1567]

Ghosted

[@joylinmorado382]

Lol

[@joylinmorado382]

That's a good response to stopped them

[@nateterefe4798]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thezackseven]

This all started when big software companies started using India for software support centers. These places sold client information to scammers.

[@abdAlmajedSaleh]

this is actually possible

[@samkp6239]

Thats why facebook, google and many companies sold the personal informations to these scammers and all around the world.

[@sama34]

That's so true

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Zack Seven, I do believe that you are ABSOLUTELY correct. ✌🏻❤

[@attabkhan3823]

It was the banks that moved there call centres there aswell

[@MadSceintist]

I've gotten dozens of texts, hundreds of calls and countless emails from exactly the same thing. These scammers have absolutely no hold. Relentless at best. I've become extremely rude to them

[@ls-l1518]

Gmail has a good spamfilter. Outlook not.

[@i_love_chilli]

I think covering such scams and giving it coverage on National TV is important. The most vulnerable are the older folks who assume that the calls are legit!!

[@Dom-yv4nq]

You are right, but it also forces the authorities to take more action. I was very disappointed to hear a commissioner in India say he had never been contacted by Canadian authorities. These law enforcement agencies need to collaborate more in fighting this type of crime.

[@shellymarie5328]

Everyone who engages in scams should be b.u.r.n.e.d. alive!

[@rosethefirechieftess1683]

Also those with special needs such as myself. I fell for one of these. I very nearly lost everything

[@Eduardolara-vb8qo]

I love it when I get these calls I always play along with them waisting their time as much as I can ‘til they get tired and hung up on me.

[@brucknerian9664]

It's a great entertainment, tormenting these low lifes.

[@marcelo06]

I make up voices... characters from films and conference friends in to listen. I was lucky Luciano and Kevin mccallister last week, absolutely howling with laughter we were! An hour for each:)

[@ErinFisherMusic]

This is officially the BEST show on the CBC!! They are providing a public service. Thank you for everything you're doing CBC Marketplace!

[@QUEENBEE200384]

I love watching CBC and Canadian news programs. Much better than the American news channels.

[@deborahaszman435]

I've been thinking about renewing my cars extended warranty I just can't decide which scammer to go with.

[@shawniscoolerthanyou]

I'll give you a good deal on a warranty. It will last until 2065 and it's only $1000, but you have to pay me in Walmart gift cards. But first mail me $2000 in gift cards and I'll mail you back $1000 with your confirmation. If you don't, the IRS will take your car and give your computer a virus.

[@saintlikegrimm]

Lolll

[@deborahaszman435]

Lmao @shawn S

[@intp71]

@@shawniscoolerthanyou 🤣🤣🤣😭 u just know how it goes mn🤣🤣

[@JO-ly3hi]

That's easy! Just go with Rachael!

[@garynewcomb8649]

You guys are doing a hell of a lot more than the sorry US is doing for us residents!!! Keep up the good work.

[@ladyd104]

Same thing I was thinking when I first saw this

[@rajkirannatarajan9276]

Gary Newcomb Actually if you watched the video you’d know that the US justice is doing more than Canada’s is doing for Canadians. Probably the same moles whacked by US justice were scamming Canadians too.

[@KamalasNotLikeUs]

Oh, come on. No one can install a functioning brain into your head. Darwin at work...

[@Sultan88888]

Gary Newcomb the sorry canadian govt isnt doing anything either and this journalists and programming are canadians.

[@nancymills1884]

When the caller can’t pronounce their English name I immediately hang up.

[@echoskelet]

Don't know you? I hang up ( or proceeds with missinformation )

[@treedweezle]

I was called in the summer of 2020 and a message was left on my phone. They stated in a very heavy East Indian accent that I had been audited by Revenue Canada, and that I owed an amount. The message stated that if I didn’t call back to pay it that, “...you will be arrested and taken from your home in handcuffs..” They, obviously, have no concept of how we do things here in Canada.

[@sandwichbreath0]

@@treedweezle They left a message telling me the IRS put a warrant out on me and my local county sheriff was ready to arrest me... except I'm in Australia, haha, where we don't have counties and our tax authority is the ATO.

[@carolsmartass4362]

I like to ask them personal questions, and someitmes even ask them what their wearing, or get the boat horn and blow it into the phone,,,,,lol

[@sandwichbreath0]

@@carolsmartass4362 LOLLL, I've never thought of the 'what are you wearing?' angle. I'm going to use it now though, haha

[@normpowell3566]

Thank-you Marketplace.

[@thekingtroll2]

I was told I was going to "be handcuffed and arrested". I told the guy I love to be handcuffed and asked him if he had any dirty pictures he could send me. He hung up. How rude!

[@garymonaghan7196]

thekingtroll2 classic

[@rvpstudioscanada3991]

LOL!

[@zaradimple3980]

HaHaHaHa!!

[@fantantantan1560]

Hahahahaha

[@sama34]

I told them if I can have their address and he said why ? I said so I can send you anthrax it was a scam caller from IRS liked when he hung up

[@wowwee0]

Why would you pay $3000 to fix a phone even if it was legitimate. Have some commonsense.

[@SmokeyRoseWolf]

People want to be ignorant. We have the world in our hands & people just repost from Facebook

[@b34513]

Just buy a new phone

[@b34513]

It’ll cost less than 3000

[@1infiniteloop244]

😂

[@1infiniteloop244]

The stupidity level is astronomical

[@dudutwalim]

Everytime i got a call from someone with indian accents... I disconnect immediately... 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@brucknerian9664]

First why not ask them for a receipe for curried tandori chicken? I haven't gotten a recipe yet ... very disappointed.

[@GameChanger597]

@@brucknerian9664 😂😂😂

[@skontheroad2666]

OMG! That is sooo funny!!

[@skontheroad2666]

@j.j.cagney I am guessing you meant polite... I also used to do that, or even try to help them out (if it is a real telemarketer, and not a scammer) by correcting them when they are mispronouncing their script. Once they would just hang up on me, I stopped. So rude!

[@dfygoh3215]

i do the same also Africa and myself not a bigot

[@Intel8Agent]

Thank God for these guys risking there lives to investigate...

[@lyngarcia1864]

This is true, many times I recieved this kind of calls. I blocked the number but then they keep on using different numbers.

[@johnmurphy2461]

I ask them what their wearing or if it's true that they like humping goats, they stopped calling.

[@rainonedavid3564]

The police in this show: tracking down scammers is extremely difficult and it is near impossible to arrest them Jim Browning: *N O*

[@critterwhisperer5821]

Lmao YES!!! Jim browning, kitboga , pleasant greens, atomic shrimp and pierogi aka scammer payback

[@thewritefont9708]

Why don't they work with Jim Browning. I suppose government's just don't care.

[@NoName-jz5re]

NO.. are you a scammer

[@wasdwasd609]

@@thewritefont9708 Because they'd turn their 6 month tax return into a weekend call on skype with Jim hahaha. How unbelievably inefficient this video is after watching Jim.

[@TheMrGunmann]

Jim Browning occupies small call centers and basically just wastes their time. I really hope government scale operations focus on higher ranking members. Way higher than just the mules.

[@warren9517]

For each time I got scam called I usually just speak in other languages other than English to confuse them. Lol

[@michaelmitchener1822]

So far i have spoken Swedish, English but Heavy accent, Irish, Khalid a language my sister and I made up and also 5 year old boy giving the code out from his Nintendo (Nes system) .......that was the funniest one. Had the scammer on the line for an hour.

[@Nari_Trovi]

@@michaelmitchener1822 gold

[@Araragi298]

I have started receiving scam calls in Korean and Chinese so apparently these are a problem for other countries too

[@pickititllneverheal9016]

I use pig Latin and they hate it.

[@spider-mancantsee5875]

PICK IT & IT'LL NEVER HEAL I start yelling at them in German. They usually get mad and hang up on me.

[@gayleraven1559]

It about bloody time is such a true statement. Thank you Marketplace for getting the RCMP and the government going.

[@purifieddrinkingwater3325]

If she isn't smart enough to realize that they want $3000 to fix a $600 phone, she's gotta work on herself

[@lenbrian9484]

Sometimes the information on your phone is more important than the device itself.

[@riohenry6382]

If you are an immigrant, you don’t necessarily know how the CRA works. Have some compassion

[@jackasshomey]

@@lenbrian9484 so you trust an indian tech support agent with your important information **coughnudescough** rather then just going to your phone provider when you experience issues lol

[@lenbrian9484]

@@jackasshomey no "i" wouldn't. But the value of the information on the phone would make someone willing to pay more than what the phone is worth to fix it.

[@fahad7775]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cheetang9494]

I received a phone call a couple of months ago and the scammer told me he was Bill Gate’s assistant and Microsoft was closing down. I laughed so hard he put the phone down on me 🤣

[@chantalabraham6701]

That person really expected you to believe that foolishness?! 😂😂😂😂

[@englishboy101]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@joeyquintana8916]

They are non stopable. If u can't shut down

[@CheapBastard1988]

At least you got a good laugh.

[@danthadon87]

The best thing you can do is hang up on them quietly so as to leave them guessing why their strategy is so ineffective

[@billbish8077]

Get ready to be pissed off when they serve little or no jail time.

[@arlobennett8504]

This is why you just shoot habitual criminals.

[@restaurantequipmentguy]

remember Trudeau brings these guys by the boatload

[@Flipson456]

@@restaurantequipmentguy . .Boatload? . . these guys are from India.

[@ToddMoore1]

@@Flipson456 ok spock

[@MariaLopez-hc2nm]

@@arlobennett8504 indeed, they're Not fit for society

[@Michael9-23-15]

I enjoy wasting their time. I play along as long as possible and figure that I'm saving someone else who actually falls for these things.

[@cindymmm11]

Thank you.

[@brucknerian9664]

Same here ... they'll hang on for a long time, before they start using foul language and hang up on you.

[@skontheroad2666]

LOL, I recently started doing that. Either pretend I am old and don't understand computers, or I speak in broken English and German, I try to see how long I can keep them on. Now I am glad--the longer I can keep it going the less calls they can make in a day! There is a special place in hell for these people!

[@Michael9-23-15]

@@skontheroad2666 yes, think of it as a challenge to see how long you can string em a long, and the prize is saving money for others who fall for it. They are pretty good at figuring out if your playing with them, but that makes me enjoy the challenge. Good luck and good job.

[@skontheroad2666]

@@Michael9-23-15 100%! Eventually they start asking "Ma"am, are you playing around with me?" Then I know I am busted and see how long I can drag it out. I wish the US would start cracking down on them. And every number is online when you google it, so there must be thousands of complaints. Very sad!

[@alfilkemper9240]

Educating the public is so important!

[@Miguel53de]

They are unstoppable. The calls are still coming on and on. On our landline and our cellphones.

[@hassank8140]

@@Jennifer-iw6pn sorry for you this happenes me aswell.in.uk.i play along its funny

[@aegisgfx]

Why don't we start suing the phone companies who are obviously in on this scam, making money off it since they do zero to stop it.

[@Miguel53de]

@@aegisgfx I don’t think, they really can stop it. It needs absolutely competence and engagement in politic, police and justice to stop them. But that would mean also an end of corruption. And that’s only a sweet dream.

[@Miguel53de]

@@Jennifer-iw6pn There are days I get the calls 10 times. The numbers very close to my own. As much as I block them, as much they change the Numbers.

[@darwingalbis4149]

They use phone number spoofing. They will mask their phone number so your caller ID will show different number or info.

[@user-eh2hj8bx6O]

This reporter is great! He really cares and is brave going into that call center.

[@uwadiercks5324]

I get about a dozen a week, I refuse to answer my phone when I don’t know the number

[@prudhvir755]

Use some hindi languge cuss words.

[@ZaynPilot]

You should pretend be Hindustan

[@northernsurvivalbackcountr4986]

Block there #

[@frankpitchford6936]

Man I love you guys BIG Thank You all

[@julyseng5653]

Thank you Cbc marketplace.

[@you125916]

Why would someone believe that he owes a lot of money to the IRS if he's paying his taxes every year and every thing is on the table.

[@frenchgirl75000]

It's a good question

[@buzoff4642]

Watch it again. Many foreign born come from places that their governments do exactly what the scammers are doing.

[@steve7970]

@@buzoff4642 I bet those countries arent using Indians to make the calls.

[@nic.25]

Scammers also get victims to send cash to them in pages of a book then wrap in foil and mail it to them to pay tax. It's crazy but some people have done it.

[@markk_g]

Jim Browning dismantled entire scam centers with a fraction of these guys’ budget

[@ethanch3011]

He did it w/o a budget, but with just a computer

[@yvonnejohnston9429]

@@ethanch3011 and panorama lol

[@papersoldier06]

He's the best

[@r3drift]

not everyone is a hacker bro

[@Anonymous-ip8ko]

@@r3drift he’s not a hacker

[@tatcrazzycline9568]

Get em guys...I support u 100%

[@lac4740]

I feel bad about how once someone from my phone provider called me for a promo and I was so mean to her. I called the phone company back and they told me that she was a real fido agent with a real promotional offer for me. These scammers are ruining it for everyone. None of us even answer the phone with a proper "hello" anymore.

[@starfishw7138]

Do not answer. Remember answering machines? You call back only if legitimate caller leaves message of interest.

[@anonymouswhiskers1350]

Is it the 25Gb for $45 deal? at first I couldn’t believe it cuz that’s too many gigs but after confirming w Fido n signing up I felt so bad

[@John-ob7dh]

@@anonymouswhiskers1350 jeez here in UK £20 will get you unlimited gigabyte all day long.

[@jimmyohara2601]

that's the whole idea/s. stay confidently defencive aggressive. what's to feel bad about ?? scammers love easily led gullible naive persons. 😐🤪☹️

[@Chahlie]

I've done the same, and feel bad because sometimes they may get paid on conversion, and if I answer and they don't make the sale they don't get paid. The only time I ever changed my phone plan they ended up double charging me for 6 months and I had a heck of a time getting it fixed. If I want something changed I will call them.

[@japneetsaini5441]

I genuinely feel bad for the guy from iran. He lost so much and now he also has pay the bank the loans as well

[@sdsign4229]

ikr? I can see why he left Iran if even the government demands money from its citizens. I include them in the blame too

[@nickwise5549]

I Feel the same . he is old already . how on the earth is he going to pay for those loans ?

[@jo-anni.benson2806]

Hopefully, with this story out, he will recover everything that was stolen from him.

[@remygirl-mn5kk]

@@nickwise5549 u

[@hareggebirehiwot4260]

When I get the call from scammer my answer is" Ottawa police can I help you". They hung up quickly.

[@weareallone6148]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@slash7303]

Lol

[@itstheory2756]

Us and Canadian govt should take action against Indian govt. Indian PM and other official should be banned to move out of the country. India should be placed on the crime blacklist

[@Iamspecialk]

It's a shame that so many people are so vulnerable. Common sense also needs to come into play.

[@Preacher_.]

CBC: We've uncovered A Massive Network of Scammers! Jim Browning: Why don't you take seat.

[@amrutanjan969]

Man so many youtubers are way ahead of these guys and the police

[@CharizardMaster69]

John Warosa: Hello there

[@tobadoba18]

Love Jim Browning and Kitboga

[@critterwhisperer5821]

Victoria K don’t forget scammer payback pierogi. Also I heard that Jim browning is working with mark rober to send glitter bombs to the scammers

[@tobadoba18]

@@critterwhisperer5821 I heard this as well! I love watching these people get what they deserve from these tech wizards!

[@sunflash101]

These scams are disgusting as they prey specifically on the most vulnerable in society. Once they're caught, publically shoot them.

[@FadingPixel]

Jim Browning is a good one as Brandon said above. For fun watch Kitboga. For revenge watch ScammerRevolts. Check them out.

[@RhinoXpress]

No, killing them would just get them off the hook. they need be placed in work camps and work 14 hour days, 7 days per week with no days off, ever until they paid back everyone that they scammed as their punishment.

[@michaelwittmann6588]

Jibbet them instead

[@baktashsana9266]

Hang them

[@KetansaCreatesArt]

@I can't seem to delete this channel. This is the best idea.

[@CircularMirror7]

The unsung heroes are the streamers that waste scammers time.

[@BuzzinVideography]

CircularMirror7 you’re welcome

[@Janidelrio]

This is why I never answer the phone, text from people I don’t know or emails.

[@LilGamingYes]

Indian police claiming nobody contacted them, it sure is easy to forget when the scammer pays you well.

[@roni1959]

@Zazoo Kluk that's true tho you can buy the entire police force

[@AdiGV]

They will throw in a scapegoat from minority for free. Close the case. Alleged mastermind to fuel communal passion.

[@darthsidious4499]

@Zazoo Kluk dude, you should never trust 3rd world "police"

[@darthsidious4499]

@Zazoo Kluk because the media told you so?

[@chcarroll5164]

@Zazoo Kluk Are the police in India or Brazil any more or less corrupt than their counterparts in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Baltimore, Albuquerque, St. Louis, Houston or (add your city here)?

[@freethinker3131]

They called me I said " no english " they hung up.

[@grapejuiceboy]

@Why Why Why Why Joe 'Groper' Biden hahahahaha....lol.... tell them you eat ham burgers in memory of them.

[@miss.l.c.minister]

@Why Why Why Why Joe 'Groper' Biden now that is ingenious I'm so proud of you

[@juancamaney4363]

I always let them talk first and then I tell them sorry no English, me no comprende.

[@napa5235]

@@grapejuiceboy ham is pig, not cow

[@crand20033]

But, do you speak Hindu?

[@NeuroDeviant421]

These people don't even sound like they work for a government agency. ANY government agency from ANY country.

[@gwens5093]

CRA does not do this by phone and the police come to your door they do not phone, as well a court action has to be served to you in person. People need to be educated about these things and if our government is so eager to spend the tax dollar they should be for public education clips.

[@cindihunter9119]

This still ticks me off! I've recently had a disability company want donations and they called me 6 times per day! Phones are a dangerous tool, not answering the phone to anyone, you don't know or if they hack someone's phone to get you to answer...

[@ebaylistinginfo]

The world needs more people like those investigators

[@lapacesiaconvoi]

what accent makes the narrator pronounce 'out' 'ewt

[@Sheppardsg1]

We are around

[@aligrotts6400]

I love it when a scammer calls. I spin them around and around until their heads explode

[@joeairbender267]

When someone says his name is Bob, but with an Indian accent, I giggle and smile like the Joker :)

[@turtleh]

bobs and vagene

[@sakethreddy4450]

Lol.. sometimes I kinda tell some stories about me being broke and have some fun.. I often get these calls.. sometimes from India sometimes from China

[@cmel4636]

😂 That's hilarious

[@supermodel1276]

Anybody calls sounds like india I didn't order a camel taxi

[@itsmeekers]

Put bounties on the scammers on capture, bonuses for killing them. Maybe a sort of badge and hunting permit.

[@venessatiller8939]

About time someone does something to stop scams

[@BigNorthMarty]

Those connected to the scam in Canada who live here should leave our country immediately.

[@bubbles1525_]

They don't have to be in Canada to pull the scam

[@BigNorthMarty]

@@bubbles1525_ Agreed, but I'm only talking about those who do reside in Canada.

[@bubbles1525_]

@@BigNorthMarty better to lock them up bc they will just run the scam from their country

[@BigNorthMarty]

@@bubbles1525_ fair point

[@joeycottone7755]

They need to keep in walking past the US as well

[@letsfly7562]

They can act like IRS OR CRA but they can’t get rid of the Indian accent.

[@christieasmara2646]

Yes .. once I told PAULA that she can't be an Paula with that thick accent and random Hindi languages in the background.. so I yelled to shut it PARUL!!

[@arthurdewith7608]

they use computer made voices no accent. and other people's phone numbers I know I get calls every week for years I made the mistake by answering now my number gets passed on to others now I get calls from all around the world especially America

[@delrich21]

That's true lol

[@arthurdewith7608]

Mon dyop year after yesr thry call because im old

[@paulsuprono7225]

@@ludmilamanweiler5986 dyop . . . im ? 😬

[@CarlosMorales-dn8ww]

I was about to inherit 50 million dollars from someone i never met..he is still waiting for my money and me for mines

[@DalaiLama131]

me too 😁😂🤷🏼‍♂️

[@yankeerose258]

I got a message on messenger one time saying that Prince Ali Khan has passed away and he left me a million dollars in his will and that I should contact them I just blocked them

[@bernademaurice3265]

Oh my God! Me too

[@josierosie7871]

Me too how strange is that lol 😝😂

[@keyuanajohnson104]

Lol

[@amersweilem4238]

I'm really happy of what the police done to catch those scammers, I used to receive these scammers like almost every week.👍👍

[@lunkholhou]

The last time I got calls such as this, I kept laughing so hard.. And... Boy they're pissed af

[@BradSchmor]

I've learned some Hindi. When you tell them off in English, they just hang up. When you do it in Hindi... lol they get mad.

[@keeganbassett7042]

When KZbin videos and news reporters do a better job then the police XDDD

[@eara8426]

Than*

[@keeganbassett7042]

@@eara8426 Why do people like you exzist?

[@eara8426]

@@keeganbassett7042 🤣

[@Orion-x7x]

I think it has something to do with the international laws and jurisdiction issues. Saw this in one of the interviews about this topic, as in the Indian police cannot take action against these guys if no official complaint is registered. And a complaint from a foreign land should come thru interpol or some "official channel". It's the similar case where a lot of high-profile criminals from India get refuge in London, and the Indian police has to go thru international agencies to reach them, as the local UK police refuses to recognise them as criminals, as no crime was committed locally.

[@maximeperrin9488]

100% TRUE

[@MrThenry1988]

I can't believe people fall for these scams. Some interviewed seemed like smart people.

[@CircmcisionIsChi1dAbus3]

Did you not notice a large handful were immigrants and the others were elderly? Not a demographic well known for technological knowledge or knowledge of the tax system in Canada.

[@soulman71901]

They pointed out that some of these people come from countries where governments really do make calls demanding money.

[@rosestewart1606]

People who have never done anything wrong tend to be very ignorant of what should happen. And most of the elderly don't do their own taxes. They either use an accountant or have them done for free by volunteers.

[@MrSloika]

Some are immigrants don't know better. People whose native language is not English may not even realize that the person on the phone has a foreign accent. People with early stage dementia are easily mislead. Then there are some people like my neighbor, a retired mechanical engineer. He's one of the most unworldly people I've ever met. He actually believed Microsoft was calling him about his computer.

[@MrSloika]

@pete smyth Wasn't the point I was trying to make. Some people in the comments section are saying that it's a dead giveaway when someone with a thick Indian accent calls and claims their name is 'Brad Smith'. For some immigrants it may not be a dead giveaway.

[@lindsayharvey3694]

Scammers are everywhere and mostly get away with it everytime, no Scammer bosses convicted. What a joke. I don't answer my phone anymore.

[@VasiliyAgiy]

Now that's some great journalism! Love this show

[@joeycottone7755]

I know, it's nice to see real journalism instead of the crap we are fed daily

[@DrinkingArt]

The quality of these investigative reports is amazing. Work in Mumbai with whistleblowers and helpers, an interview with Mumbai's police chief, an interview with Microsoft's head of digital crimes, a collaboration with the RCMP task force head. Its fast-paced and obviously the journalist has adopted a thrilling style but he doesnt go overboard. Consumer protection is often overlooked by law enforcement and regulators because of underreporting, the complexity of marketplace transactions and jurisdictions and so on, so and this program fills this gap. Canadians are lucky to have a great and ethical investigative team in CBC.

[@JayFresh98]

Why blur out those scammers faces lets see who’s scamming the innocent victims here

[@Starteller]

You are innocent until convicted. They don't want vigilante justice. They still can give the original video to the police.

[@kristinaj9159]

Because they have to

[@Onehellofaguy]

KZbin's terrible policies you have to follow.

[@ensignmjs7058]

Obviously, those arrested need to be charged first. The innocent agreed to be on TV. They signed waivers. And the blurring is to comply with legal and broadcast regulations.

[@Gi1b2bz]

@@yaroz5123 you seem to miss the point lol

[@gregestee9099]

This documentary was 2 years ago and the scammers are still at it more than ever. News flash they're not doing this from other countries. The scammers are in high-rise apartment buildings in a neighborhood near you.

[@sabrina5317]

My mom has told me since I was young, and especially important when I have my own phone, never to answer numbers you don't know. If it is important, they will leave a voicemail. And don't say your name for the voicemail message, because it confirms who you are. Just leave it as the default one.

[@queeflatifa4678]

Just to be devils advocate: what if one of your family members was in an emergency and had to call from another person’s phone?

[@isaacg5438]

@@queeflatifa4678 Honestly I answer always because I like to give them comebacks if it's a human.

[@EfrainDeLaRocha]

I just don't care cause its fun to talk to these people at time. Plus you have to be really dumb too fall for these scams..

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@queeflatifa4678 outa luck

[@saraimontes5338]

@@EfrainDeLaRocha unfortunately elderly people are the ones taking the hit all too often. I work in the fraud detection department for a bank and it’s so sad seeing them fall for these scams

[@timkleffman3133]

That's why I don't answer phone calls When I don't know who they are And I blocked them afterwards

[@TampaTec]

1. don't answer unknown numbers and don't call back EVER, if it's real they will mail you. 2. never give out personal info. 3. if you do answer just hang up and call back from a reliable contact info. just to confirm.

[@SureeGW]

Good advise.

[@gigi-nl8rp]

@ellzedd41 now that's giving it a go...good job@@

[@baddog711]

Oh I answer, only to put the phone in front of the radio (on real loud).

[@MrsOutlawCaliber]

Don't answer? wth........there is no having fun with them if you just hang up or dont answer lol Sorry I just can not just not answer......Depending on the day I am having they are going to be the ones who are going to be sorry O:)

[@zp7741]

Not all true in certain circumstances

[@randyturner8466]

Awesome work. You shook those creepy ones up. Thanks Marketplace.

[@stevencorey7623]

If you want to go deep in the scammers life on KZbin look up “Jim browning” he’s been hacking them for years. And he’s quiet good in it

[@sleptiq]

Quiet?

[@bigfishke7100]

“Quite good at it”

[@PlayerWellKnown]

The guy is a legend.

[@Max-ph5in]

Kit Boga is more entertaining

[@carlwilliams4369]

Are YOU a scammer?

[@ashleymcgaha5794]

As far as government agencies are concerned. They don't call you out of the blue they always contact you by mail and ask you to reach out to them.

[@nakeleh]

0

[@morganmorrison8775]

Hello how're you doing hope you're safe?

[@ypop417]

when I get a call saying It's Canada Revenue and I am going to be arrested I tell please come get me because I am homeless and free meals with housing sounds good to me

[@annesmith919]

Brilliant! LOL!

[@svetlanikolova7673]

In Bulgaria they call and say a family member is in trouble to get you to send them money. Good thing my family is in the US. HA HA

[@carterbentonjr399]

Great one Y. I bet they really freaked out about the call they made to you.

[@ypop417]

@@carterbentonjr399 They said I am Sorry and hung up real fast

[@johncrowe7356]

Hey that’s my line, I could use a break from work

[@mjay512]

Great Job guys. Thanks for sharing!

[@Eric-wj9cu]

when somebody cold calls you with a thick indian accent and says his name is John Smith from CRA/IRS, shouldn't that instantly throw up some red flags?

[@justajawausingwifi4642]

You'd think that, but like the one guy said, Iran allows it and in some places it might be condoned

[@baddog711]

Dumb people still fall for it.

[@Flashyfinancier]

@@baddog711 dumb or old people or both

[@gniewko310]

Deadass who thinks that the government will accept gift cards as a currency

[@mekenken5292]

Gniewko do u mean the refund scam with Microsoft?

[@vrijmatipersaud1256]

So happy they are caught. I have had them calling a few times They need to be thrown in prison. This is daylight robbery and this needs to be stopped.

[@aemansky8113]

Police take money in india n let them go

[@ritadi2566]

Incredible journalism and effort for actively get involved. It's impressive that you even partnered with Jim Browning!