Someone called from 923017777460, ("Head Office of Airtel, in Bandra, Mumbai! " saying, you're one of 15 winners of a random lucky draw by Airtel, have won 25 lacs of Rupees, and to call back at 923035369977 and speak to Mr. Raj Verma for details.
Just for fun, I called, was asked to call back after a while etc, and then the so called Raj Verma wanted Home address where 3-member airtel team would come to verify and hand over the cheque (ICICI Dilli branch!).
I quizzed, saying that Airtel HO is in Delhi, why wouldnt they advertise, etc. They gave an address of "Mahatma Plaza, Gandhi Road, Mumbai (!)" Said that it was done quietly as a new year surprise! Also that Airtel & Dish TV were at it together! Winners would be announced tomorrow night on DD National & Star Gold!
Informed of a transfer charge of Rs.666/100, 000, hence a total of 15K, but since bank was closed (530pm) I needed to buy recharge coupons of Dish TV and give them the coupon code. I said I had no Dish Tv.. they said The "team" would refund the money and take the coupons.
After the quizzing, they asked me to also switch off my phone for an hour, or until I bought the coupons, then for 1 year, all calls would be free!
They immediately gave me a missed call to check!
I was, all along, on the net, and nothing, in their story, could obviously get corroborated (Airtel office in Mahatma Plaza, Gandhi road, Bandra, Mumbai! was particularly hilarious!); I played along only to see how far they'd go, and for more such jewels.. but also, to be able to recount it for the benefit of other, less suspicious folks, for they did sound fairly genuine except for their accented & incorrect english, and cheap introductions for each other ("Raj Verma, Senior Supervisor speaking..! ").
Only hope, they dont mess with my phone numbe
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