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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Does this sound suspicious?

50 replies

Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 13:38

FIL has just had a phone call from
A withheld number claiming to be his internet provider. He is apparently the 'chief engineer' for the area and wants to help FIL sort his broadband. We are about to go out but don't want to leave him here alone incase this man turns up!

AIBU to be skeptical? He is totally sure it's actually genuine Hmm

OP posts:
DerekSprechenZeDick · 17/09/2016 13:39

Chief engineer?! 😂

I don't think it's real no.

Original poster
Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 13:39

The man said he would be here within the hour and didn't ask for address details etc so presumably has these already. The broadband hub is upstairs in a bedroom. FIL is disabled and would not be able to follow him up the stairs easily.

OP posts:
ineedamoreadultieradult · 17/09/2016 13:41

Nope it's a scam. Has FIL reported a problem with his broadband? To get someone out to fix an actual problem on a Saturday would be amazing to have someone volunteer to fix a problem you don't even have is a step too far.

user1471440938 · 17/09/2016 13:43

Nope Nope Nope Nope Nope!

Unless he has a ticket open with his providers helpdesk and the guy verified security with him it doesn't sound right at all.

DerekSprechenZeDick · 17/09/2016 13:44

Phone the broadband supplier up and ask them to confirm

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 17/09/2016 13:44

Has FIL had previous conversations with this man?

Does he actually have a broadband problem? Even if he does, a 'chief engineer' would not be visiting on a Saturday without prior notice.

I wouldn't leave him there alone. Can he come with you? If not, I'd leave someone to help out and make sure the man doesn't enter the flat. If he has ID, take a photo, leave the man outside - door locked!! - and call the broadband company from a mobile, on their normal number, to verify his ID. If he's legit, he won't mind this at all, and it's probably the best way to prove to FIL that this isn't genuine.

alfagirl73 · 17/09/2016 13:44

"Sort his broadband"? Is there a problem with the broadband? Has your FIL requested someone look at it?

Sounds questionable to me. Call the internet provider yourselves and ask if anyone has been instructed to attend the property, why, what for and full details of who would be attending.

If they cannot provide this information then don't let the guy in (if he turns up) - simple as that.

In all the time I've had internet I've never had anyone do this; trying to get them to attend when you actually WANT them to is hard enough!

RubbleBubble00 · 17/09/2016 13:44

Get him to phone Internet provider from mobile (or u phone them)

TaterTots · 17/09/2016 13:45

Is his full title 'Chief Engineer of Complicated Computer Things'?

Put in a call to the company to check.

Willow2016 · 17/09/2016 13:46

I would stay, and of course not let the man in if he turns up. Ask for ID and what provider he is from etc. If at all suspiscious call the police and note his vehicle number in case they are trying it out on all the vulnerable people in the area.

No 'chief engineer' would be randomly calling people about their internet... total con. Is there something wrong with the internet? Did fil call to ask someone to come and look at it? If not then total con, just wants to get in the house.

WorraLiberty · 17/09/2016 13:48

Deffo a scam. This was on Watchdog a while back.

WatchingFromTheWings · 17/09/2016 13:49

It's a scam.

Mummydummy · 17/09/2016 13:53

FIL should not let anyone in without an appointment and authentication/ID.

Creampastry · 17/09/2016 14:03

Of course it's bollocks!!

Sara107 · 17/09/2016 14:06

No, no no. Not genuine, no company would do this. Do not let anybody in or divulge any personal or account details. If the company genuinely wanted to check the broadband they would write to FIL and ask him to phone for an appointment. The phoning is always done by call centre administrators, you would never speak to an actual engineer by phone.

Original poster
Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 14:11

He's here. I took a picture of his van and number plate (looks genuine).

Does this sound suspicious?
OP posts:
Original poster
Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 14:12

Should I ring the company and check? FIL believes he is genuine.

OP posts:
QOD · 17/09/2016 14:12
Hmm
parisgellar · 17/09/2016 14:13

Yes phone virgin and ask them. I'd ask him to wait outside in the van until I'm sure!

RavioliOnToast · 17/09/2016 14:14

I'd ring and check. I've read about people putting stickers on vans to scam people and appear genuine. Ask for id

LimpidPools · 17/09/2016 14:14

Yes, you should ring the company and check.

And the people saying it's a scam should explain exactly how it works.

iklboo · 17/09/2016 14:15

He'd be in a Virgin van if he was actually from Virgin. Not difficult to swipe a vest. And he should have photo ID.

dowhatnow · 17/09/2016 14:15

Bloody Hell. Dodgy as fuck.

Bigfatnope · 17/09/2016 14:15

Sounds like a scam definatley! !!!

Ememem84 · 17/09/2016 14:16

Ask for Id and call the company. Id maybe tell the guy you weren't expecting him and say you're calling the company. If he's genuine he shouldn't have any issue with this.