During the past 2 months I have received approximately 10 calls from the same phone number to my cell phone. Each caller advised me that he or she was calling about my American Express Account ending in 000. Since I consider myself to be pretty savvy I knew that American Express did not make such calls and that these calls were bogus. My cell phone recorded the calls as coming from 727-541-0001. Naturally I refused to give the callers any information and in fact I tried to get information from them, to no avail. They just hung up. I also called them back on the number they called from immediately after the call ended. Each time I received a recorded message that the number was disconnected.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - Bob Greenspan
Do you really think these crooks are going to stop calling you or anyone else because you are on the Do Not Call List? The definition of a crook or thief is a person who intentionally violates the law in order to obtain a monetary reward from his victims. They are going to continue making these calls until they get caught or until the monetary gain is not worth their time or they run out of victims. At that point they will move on to a different and more lucrative scam.
27 - Robwood
I have other avenues to work with. Aside from Rip-Off Report, I'm also going to be contacting the Office of Consumer Affairs if these people don't stop. If they want to keep on me, I'll keep on them! It should provide some amusement.
28 - Robwood
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!!!
I figure I'll throw this in to help with the information gathering. I've run some basic searches for Consumer Innovations, and have come up with a physical address and a phone number! I don't know the specfics about what the number s for, but I'm assuming it's the office number that we're suppose to be seeing on our caller ID and ain't. Here we go!
Consumer Innovations
7330 North 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 271-0411
I've run an all-state search to be sure there are no others, and there ain't--this is the only one I could find. Also, I got no search results at all for Traveler Innovations. Don't know wha tthat means, exactly. Dummy corporation, maybe?
29 - AZ
Well for the past 3 days i have gotten about 35 calls from this phone,, i never answer phone numbers that i dont recognize, but it was funny that when i called the number back it would say its disconnected, now to mess with them i pick up but dont say anything, funny thing is that the guy new my name and kept saying it but i just hung up..from now on i will play their game and give them bogus info.
30 - Kristi
I have been getting this calls for about 2 weeks. I have probably gotten around 30 or so. When the call however, they are asking for my bf. I try and ask them what the call is regarding and they say that they will only explain the reason for calling to Josh. I tell them not to call again and they hang up on more. Then they call again later. Eackh time I've talked to someone different and they are very aggressive and assertive. I am going to try something the next time they call. If it works I will be sure to let you all know. I am terrified and annoyed that they could possibly get more of my personal information.
31 - micker
Yeah, I've been getting these calls the last few days, they've been hanging up when they get my voice mail. When I do answer it, most of the time I just hear really loud background noise and then nothing.
This morning though it was a female operator and she asked for me by name. When I asked who this was they just hung up.
Anyone feel like starting a class action harrassment lawsuit?
32 - Steve
I just found this site when doing my own research on the 727-541-0001 number. The person on the phone asked for me by name, then said they were from my Visa card and that I was to recieve a $150 gas card and $200 in Walmart gift cards. Knowing I had never gave my Visa card my cell number, I knew it was a scam so I asked what card it was they were from and they said "the one that wants to send you a free gas card". This made me fell better as they dont know what bank issued my card, so I told the guy I knew it was a scam if he dient know my card was from BankOne and hung-up. LOL My card isint from BankOne but figured if they took notes why not have some fun and send them on a goose hunt
33 - dsf
Add another to the pile. They've been calling me for weeks now, 4 or 5 times a day. After the first week, I decided to pick up (I, like many of you, don't answer numbers I don't recognize) and tell them to stop calling.
So I picked up, heard the deafening background noise, and then they hung up on me. This continued for three(!) more weeks, each time, I'd hear the crowd and then *click*
So today they called, again I answered, again I heard the background noise and I sat there. After about 30 seconds, a woman asked for me by name...finally! The rest of the story is like the rest of you -- Visa, gascards, blah, blah. Luckily, I'd Googled the number a couple weeks ago and read this page, so I knew what to expect.
I interrupted her, said I'm not interested, stop calling me, take me off your list, I know this is a scam, etc. She replied by asking "So you don't even want to hear what I have to say?"
"Nope."
"Your loss, stupid." *click*
Damn -- not only are they crooks, they're rude crooks to boot!
34 - Schismatic
I just recently started getting those calls. They are getting on my nerves. This is the first time I got one where they person actually started talking, but its still the same phone number: 727-541-0001. When she started talking, she talked to me like I knew her. She was quick to say my name.
35 - steve
Same crap. It just started three days ago. I do not let them start talking. I tell them to place me on their do-not-call list and hang up. they call everyday and I tell them the same thing. Today, I cussed them out and then hung up on them. Tomorrow, it will get real ugly when I go up their ass sideways. I contacted the F.C.C. and also the Attorney General. That was a real JOKE. Their as bad as these assholes that keep calling. They can't do anything because my phone has not been listed on the do-not-call list for 30 days and they need an actual address. I guess I'll just keep cussing at these little bastards until it stops. I am also having Verison remove all charges on my bill from this number.
36 - Kristi
Ok so they called again yesterday and when I told them to stop callimg me they actually said "where the "F**K is your head at lady". I told them I was on the governments do not call list and that if they call again I will contact the FTC. They told me to go ahead...so I did. The FTC has a report on file but they need to see a pattern in the calls before it can be further investigated. So I ask everyone please call and file a report. Hopefully that way something will be done about these a**holes. FTC number : 877-382-4357. If they keep calling I will try and take further action by going to the local news call for action station. They love stuff like this. Thanks
37 - Nancy
Your government dollars at work. Sometimes I think the bureaucratic stupidity is as criminal as the scammers. You might try getting a whistle (the kind a coach uses for gym) & blowing it hard the next time they call. I wonder why they bother to keep calling if they know the owner of that particular number is "on" to them? To keep calling the same number over & over ... do they think you're going to change your mind? I hope you can get them - or at least get the FTC/FCC/FBI whoever to finally move on this. Have you tried calling the phone company & filing a harrassment complaint or getting that number blocked? I've never had to do that myself, but I've heard others talk about it.
38 - micker
I'm still getting calls. Last friday, they called and the guy claimed he was from visa. He had the last 4 digits of my card #. I told him he wa slying and didnt work for visa. He started to get pushy. I told him I read all about them online, they said I didnt know what I was talking about. I told them never to call again. They've called 8 times since...
39 - Mike
I'm getting this call also, but they always just hang up... however, I answer my work cell as "Hello, this is Mike." Once, I just said Hello, and he said something I didn't understand. When I asked him to repeat, he just hung up.
INFORMATION about credit cards, the last 4 digits of your card are displayed on ALL store purchase receipts along with your name, so garbage divers can then also look up your cell number and have that info. Also possible, but very unlikely, if you bank online, the last four digits of your credit cards are displayed on your account splash screen, which is NOT encrypted by the bank (BankOne), i.e. Somebody with ISP connections 'could' be capturing that information from the network... including your name. This would require somebody that works for comcast or whoever hour provider is to do this.. Last four digits of a credit card means NOTHING...
P.S. I thought if you could find out who these people are, you can actually 'bill' them for your expenses (minutes) when they call cell phones like this?
40 - Mike
UPDATE: Just got called again. Talked to a girl this time. She was trying to see if my daughter-in-law wanted to sell her timeshare. She doesn't own one. Anyway, the company was TimeShare Associates, and the # she gave as callback was 800 303-0583 and name was Kara Jones.. yeah right. Looks like multiple companies are using this fake callerID #. Isn't that a federal offense to not send the correct callerid#?
41 - Nick Hammer
Hey guys, I just today got a call from the same number (727-541-0001). After searching a bit, i found this page, and i also managed to find out that the number shows up as being in St. Petersburg, FL.
42 - Lorenzo
It started 2 day ago and like all of you I don't pick up. I live in California.
43 - Alex sacui
I GOT A CALL FROM 727 541 0001 TOO. I believed that the call was indeed from my Mastercard company and gave the caller my address.
The caller said he was sending me gifts from Mastercard: some gift certificate from Walmart and some sort of gift card for gasoline.
In the end, I refused the offer. I wonder if the gift certificates would have actually come through.
I am worried that someone can get my name and telephone number, ask my address over the phone and have a 727 541 0001 number that is disconnected.
44 - alex sacui
possibilities: I checked my credit report from Experian about 2 months ago. The report said that a marketing company in Florida had checked my credit history. I looked up the company on google and found a blog page discussing the telephone marketing company's brute tactics in selling magazine subscriptions over the phone. I regret that I no longer have the name of this telephone marketing company that showed up on my credit report. It could be related to this 727 541 0001 number. If others who get the 727 call check their credit history and find a common record of the same marketing company checking financial history details (including names and credit card numbers).... then... we've found the identity who's been calling. its at least a remote possibility.
45 - alex sacui
regarding my previous theory: I didn't neccesarily find the name of the Florida Telephone marketing company on EXPERIAN. There are 3 credit report companies and each seem to have slightly different records. I got my credit report here...
I forget if I checked Experian,TransUnion, or Equifax.
46 - Justin
I found this site through Google. I have been having the same calls. Ditto on everything said. I want to see this put to an end.
47 - Judy B
I work for a business in Dayton, Ohio. I have been getting calls for my boss. They don't get through. I did get some useful information from the comments and have filed a complaint with the FCC. I suppose that if enough of you out there also file a complaint, maybe something can be done about it. I really seems funny that the calls cannot be traced. They surely found all of us. Wonder which search engine they used?
48 - Heather
I have had this number 727-541-0001 call me twice in the last 2 days. I typed the number in the google search and found this page. I am shocked! I have had people trying to steal my ebay acct, and order 2000.00 worth of Mary Kay from me and try to pay with a stolen credit card. Why are some of us targeted and will it stop if I put a tellemarketer block on my phone?Also, how can my caller ID say they are calling from this number, but yet I cant reach them at this number? This is getting freaky. Thanks in advance for any info you have, and have a great day.
Heather
49 - Heather
Just thought I would add to my post earlier. They called again on an 866 number. My son answered, they asked for me, when I picked up the phone it was dead.
I hung up and guess what it rang again from number (727)541-0001. After reading your posts, I decided to hear what they had to say. Her name was Joan and she called me by my first name.
She said she was doing some promotional thing with Visa and if I would agree to look over it, I would get 150.00 gas card and 2 gift cards for Walmart, forgot how much she said those were though.
I listened and just kept saying Mmm, Ok etc... then she asked me if I wanted to do this, I said sure. She said Ok, I am going to tape this part of our conversation, and get my supervisor on the line Ok? I agreed, then she said Ok, I am going to give you a 4 digit confirmation number, and you need to write it down b/c when we are taping you will need to confirm this number by telling me what it is Ok?
I said Ok, then she said here it is ####. I ALMOST THREW UP!!!! The 4 digit # was the last 4 numbers of my Visa check card. Then I said hello, hello are you there, I cant hear you, hello, then I said Hmmm I wonder why she hung up on me............. then I hung up!!!!
Someone with a blocked phone number has called every half hour or so since, and they never answer. Also I wanted to mention I am receiving these calls to my home number not my cell. I also have a list of numbers that I believe are linked to these. You can find all of them via google.
Here they are.......800-858-4838/ 866-655-7366/ (800-594-5868/ 800-514-8345) those last 2 have same website, but different names and numbers. And last but not least 514-958-0000, very interesting, check them out and if you figure something out please let me know. Thanks
50 - Jay
Thats some good info Heather. I got my first two calls today and Im sure Il get some more. Im going to my state's attorney general. Let take these dirty bastards down.
51 - Matt
I am in Minnesota and am getting these calls constantly. If anyone finds out who is behind the calls lets go and form an angry mob to burn that person alive.
52 - Bob Greenspan
We have just reached the 50 Comment Level on my original post and I thank you all. I read every comment that is posted. I do however believe that a lot of you simply don't understand what is going on. You keep saying things like "I'm going to report the callers to the FCC" or "I'm going to put them on my do not call list", etc. Folks, forget about all this stuff. We are dealing with CROOKS, CRIMINALS, BAD GUYS, CON MEN. They don't give a rat's ass about you turning them in to the FCC, the FBI, your local Police Department or putting them on your DO NOT CALL LIST! They have figured out a way to make these calls without being detected. My guess is that they are making the calls from overseas and probably from a computer and not over regular phone lines. So, short of someone snitching them out or some super duper sleuthing by one of you computer geniuses who can figure out their location, all you can do is slam the phone down or blow a whistle into the phone to try and break their ear drums or play some other game with the caller. But they are NOT going to stop calling until some cop kicks in their door and puts them in handcuffs!
53 - Brad
A friend of mine got a call from this number yesterday and agreed to the deal that he was offered. I thought it sounded it like a scam. After seeing everything that you guys have posted, I a question. Does he have to worry about identity theft, or is this just a scam to some money out of him?
54 - Louis
I started getting the call last night. It was a man claiming to be from MasterCard and was offering the gas card because I was such a good customer. He was very nice and polite. He told me he was going to be sending information to house (which he had the address for) and that I could cancel it at anytime; you guys know the story. Here is the weird thing, my cell phone is not under my name it is under my stepdads. Even if they did get my name and address through the card # or whatever they still couldn't have gotten my cell phone number because there are 3 names on the account with 3 numbers and they wouldn't have known which is which. So I am wondering this, could I have entered my cell phone number with some other information on a web site that they either hacked or set up? I really really wish I could find these people but for now I will stick to playing games with them.
55 - Duke
I started getting these calls on my cell early last week, about November 7th or 8th. They average about 5 per day, starting in the morning when I get to work and go on until the evening. 727-541-0001 every time, they never leave a message. I live in Louisiana. They have never called earlier than about 9:00 am and never later than about 9:00 pm.
One thing I found interesting is that the calls stopped over the weekend so I thought they had given up, but now it's Monday morning and I just got one. These guys seem to follow a Monday thru Friday daytime schedule, as least the ones calling me.
I'm pretty surprised this has gone on this long without anyone being able to investigate it.
56 - Sonia
I'm up here in Seattle and keep getting these phone calls about 1 per day. Also getting them on the weekends. I'm going to block these calls using my cell phone company. Thanks for having this blog out there! Have a great day-
57 - Nick Hammer
Yea, i also noticed that i didnt get any calls from them over the weekend either. I have NEVER once even answered a call from them, since i dont answer if i dont know who is calling. So i usually just google the number. At first, I received as many as 5 calls per day, then after about 2 weeks, i kept getting less calls each day. Now, i have usually been getting only 1 call a day, if that. Im hoping that if i still do not answer, maybe they will just stop calling completly.
58 - Nick Hammer
Oh, one other thing. maybe someone that has actually talked to these people, and gave them information could check out this site: http://www.fraud.org/ file a complaint and see if that helps
59 - Celeste
866-655-7366 - This number has been calling my cell everyday for the past month or so. Everytime we answer they hang up. Once my husband actually had someone say hello and he told them to take us off their list, that we're sick of them calling etc...They STILL call. A few months ago I was victim to identity theft and I had to switch bank accounts, flag my credit and everything and those ppl had gotten me on my home phone. I guess there's nothing we can do, but it's really stressful having to worry that I might have to go through all of that mess agian.
60 - Bob Wighold
My wife tried ordering some items from online, and now has started receiving these calls on her cell phone from the number as written so many times hereon (727) 541-0001. The first call sounded as if there was a crowd in the background, then sounded like someone breathing heavy (Sort of disgusting in nature). She has now recieved these calls on Saturday, so don't think that they do not call on weekends. We have reported this to the internet fraud, our cell phone provider (Who said that they cannot do anything for us to block the number). I will be contacting the Florida Attorney General regarding this issue and who ever else I can think of to have this stopped. Surely somebody knows how to get this stopped. I am surprised by the FBI comment above. What the hell are we paying taxes for? We will post more, if we find a definate answer to this problem. Kansas City
Bob
61 - julie
I have had a similar experience with this phone number (727-541-0001). I ordered some medicine off the internet (with a perscription, so I assumed it was a valid website) and never received anything..stupid me!! Anyway the site was called frontier pharmacies. (it has since been shut down, thankfully!) I reported them to the internet fraud. Anyway, I called my bank and they gave me the phone number they had for the company called "BFL pay": 866-220-0556. I called the number and what seemed to be a hispanic woman, answered.(I could barely understand her.) I proceeded to ask about my order, and she hung up on me. I called back, she put me on hold and hung up again. The address I have, which is probably bogus, is: 1940 3-n Commerce Pkwy, Weston, Fl. Fortunately I caught the scam in time and had my bank stop payment. Now, I am receiving these obsene phone calls and hang ups from this 727-541-0001. I can't prove the two are related, but they have to be connected. Hope this helps in some way.
62 - julie
ATTENTION!!!GOOD INFORMATION!! I received two more calls today. One at 9:30 am and again at 1:03 pm. I answered the second call and a woman tried the gas card scam...I am such a good visa customer, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, I asked if this was my "visa company" why have I received obsene phone calls from this number? I proceeded to tell her someone had called me from this 727-541-0001 number (the same number she was calling me from) and was heavy breathing into my phone, and she stammered and said it must have been their computer who called me, and it had a bad connection. BS! ( I have this obsense call and breathing on my voicemail) I know heavy breathing from a human when I hear it! I told her I knew she was calling from a fraudulant business and she obnoxiously argued with me and said "no this is a perfectly legit company". After arguing back and forth I told her not to call me again, and she still tried to get me to buy into their scam!!!! These people are CRAZY!!! I know for a fact that the owner from the bogus website I ordered medication from is connected to this number. His name is George Jorge Gonzalez. He has been running credit card/gas card scams and bogus discount pharmacy websites. The number I have for him is 866-384-0667 and 866-220-0556. I also know through my bank that this "BFL PAY", the "frontier pharmacy company" I was scammed from, originates in India. ( Google "BFL pay" and search to find out more ). I am trying to bring a law suit against these people, I honestly think he is involved with this 727 number, along with others, and I am continually searching for more information. Please let me know if anyone else has any info. Good luck to all, and lets catch this SOB!!! Thanks for posting your letter Bob G., that is how I have put a connection between my pharmacy scam and this harrassing 727 number, and possibly getting closer to finding out who is responsible for ripping people off. I only hope we can prevent this from happening to others!
63 - Jason
I got a call from 727-541-0001 three times since yesterday evening. When I answered the second time, the woman told me that I have been such a good visa customer that she is going to send me a $150 gas card. She went on and on until I stopped her to ask her what VISA and what bank. She told me that my VISA ended with these last four digits ####. I know for a fact that non of my cards ended with those digits. From the moment she refused to answer what VISA and the bank associated with my VISA, I knew she was bullshitting. She hung up after I confronted her. She sounded like a hispanic woman.
64 - Lidia
This is soooooooooo weird, I just started getting those phone calls since yesterday. I haven't answered yet but I decided to google it and I found this site. I just called that number back because of what u guys said and indeed, only the machine answers and says the number I've just called has been disconnected. Thank you guys, next time they call I'm gonna be prepared.
65 - Rick
My calls come through without an identifiable number. I must be thought impoverished because they only offer a $20 gas card. I've been getting 3-5 a day on my business line for about 3 weeks. Sme pattern-- a lot of noise-- often I'm cut off before anyone speaks-- a slight foreign acccent. I've been guessing the calls from overseas. Is there rally no law enforcement authority willing or able to track this down?
66 - Kavita
I got a call from 724-541-0001 6 times in 2 days. I answer them adn they cut the call, and when I call back, it says the number has been disconnected. Thankyou guys for the information. I shall not pick these calls henceforth.Such a rip off and also a waste of my phone minutes!!
67 - Brad
JUST GOT SCAMMED WITHOUT GIVING THEM ANY INFO!! These people called me just once about a month ago with the same gift card from visa thing. All I did was listen and then told them to send me terms and conditions and I would look it over and get back to them. They said that I needed to do this now and just went back on with their thing and then said they needed me to read back a four digit confirmation code (the last 4 numbers of my credit card) after I heard that I said I had to go and hung up. THEY STILL CHARGED MY CREDIT CARD AND I GAVE THEM NO INFORMATION!! I also rarely use my credit card, so I think these guys might be dumpster diving at some landfill or something. I had my card canceled and my card company gave me my money back with no complaints, thank god.
Here is what showed up on my credit card bill:
TRAVEL8008584838 602-271-0411 AZ $25.00
the 2nd number goes to the 13601 N 18th St, Phoenix, AZ 85022 address. Using googles cool satellite mapping I found out that this is a residential address.
68 - Ryan
For a couple weeks I was getting these calls also from the 727 number. I got them to stop calling me by speaking in my best lawyer tone and informing them they were calling my cell phone using an automated dialer in violation of FCC regulations and in response to this, I had filed form 475 with the FCC asking that their organization be fined under the applicable regulations. You can get that form here:
The scammers never called me after this. About 3 weeks later, I got a letter from the FCC basically saying they don't look into individual complaints but if they receive several, they will investigate. All of you need to follow the above link and complete that form. I think this is the best way to stop these people. Violating this regulation is the only law they've broken for sure.
69 - MJ
I just did a search and came to this site about the 727-541-0001 number. I don't answer my phone unless I know who it is but still, my cell number. what the hell! Is there a way we can find out who this is and sue the crap out of them?
70 - NT
Hello,
I'm in Alaska and I'm getting calls from 866-655-7366 to my home phone. They call every day except Sunday and hang up on my answering machine because I screen my calls. So I decided to Google them and found this website.
Thanks for the article, Bob. Are you any relation?
BTW, Brad and others: You DID give them info -- when you said you had to go when they read the last four digits of your credit card, they knew it was valid.
Best thing to do is don't even talk to them, just click on that link in message #68 and fill out the FCC complaint form like I just did. In the comments area I told them I'd found this website for that number, and that I wanted them to add my complaint to all the others they get.
Best of luck fighting this to all.
71 - joan
I'm glad to find this blog since a friend of mine recently had the same ripoff inolving Travelers Innovations. The only difference was when she asked the caller where she had gotten her debit card information the caller said it had come from WalMart(?). Has anybody else gotten the line about the WalMart connection?
72 - Nick Hammer
Well, good news!...as i said earlier, i just kept ignoring the calls, never answered a single one....the calls slowly decreased in number, and now i have not recieved a call from them in 3 weeks! looks like im in the clear. good luck to the rest of you
73 - Jason
If enough of us claim fraud with our credit/debit cards after receiving fraudulious charges the card companies will do somthing about it. They have more resources and information than any victim. Who is the FBI, police or FCC etc. going to listen to, MBNA, American Express, VISA, Bank of America, OR Joe/Jane Smith? After all, most all card issuers offer $0 fraud liablity, or 50 bucks, and I would pay $50 to put these guys in jail. So check your credit card agreement or call for the fraud terms, and go get scammed.
74 - Bill
They called me the other night and again today when i answered she did the whole visa bit, i told her about that visa dosent issue cards banks and stuff do and she named some bank and said they were representing Travel Inovations and if i looked at some stuff id get a free gas card and a 50 dollar gift card to walmart, She had my last name and the last 4 digits of my Debit Card number and wanted me to call some other number and said if i wasnt interested i could cancel anytime. I asked her if i could give it to my HItman for supplies and she said also said i could call when i wanted to cause i told her i was in the middle of a big gang war and didnt want to commit to anything if i was to get clipped. But she wouldnt send me a file baked in cake. After That i told her my lawyer said im not supoesd to talk to anyone about it and that if they called again id see them in court. She got pissed and i hung up.
75 - Somebody
I got a call on my Verizon Wireless phone too. Fortunately I looked up the number and found this blog entry beforehand. Even before that, I knew it would not be "Visa" because my card is associated with my landline, not my cell phone. I threatened FCC action and hung up after "Kevin" correctly read my personal information (name and last four digits), not once confirming who I was.
But after reading this discussion, I reported the card as stolen. I did not see any suspicious activity, but there's no point in risking it. If they keep calling, I'll have to change numbers (damn well better not) or get a cell phone that can block specific numbers (I can't).
I'm guessing they got the information off a receipt from a dumpster diver. Time to shred receipts instead of throwing them away no matter how much information is censored on them.
Thank you all for your comments; you helped protect my identity, despite the ironic name assiocated with the reply.