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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:
somewheresomehow · 17/09/2016 14:17

is there a virgin van outside

flanjabelle · 17/09/2016 14:18

Well if he's a scammed he hasn't had much luck. The elderly disabled man is not alone. I would mention that you all live together. Isn't it lovely how much families support and care for each other. Wink

MoonfaceAndSilky · 17/09/2016 14:19

How would the 'chief engineer' know if there was something wrong with FIL's broadband? Sounds dodgy to me too.
Yes ask man for ID and phone up Virgin to check.

Original poster
Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 14:21

Here is the van... No idea what it's mean to look like but looks pretty geuine.

Does this sound suspicious?
Does this sound suspicious?
OP posts:
Original poster
Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 14:21

Genuine*

OP posts:
Original poster
Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 14:23

Apparently FIL filled in some survey or something online or filed a complaint to say the service was poor. FIL claims he did this somewhen. He had a badge with a photo. FIL won't let me ring and as he is the account holder, they won't talk to me without his permission.

OP posts:
MoonfaceAndSilky · 17/09/2016 14:24

Maybe your FIL has had a letter saying they are going to update his hub or something? That would account for how they know his address or else they were hoping to rob him and you've thrown a spanner in the works.

The van does look genuine though Hmm

MoonfaceAndSilky · 17/09/2016 14:25

Apparently FIL filled in some survey or something online or filed a complaint to say the service was poor

That does make sense but I'd still follow the man and watch him like a hawk.

queenc81 · 17/09/2016 14:26

This is a genuine one, some virgin costumers have been contacted regarding there broadband.

Engineers are all over just coming to people's houses who filled in the questionnaire with complaints to update the hubs. Friend works for virgin and just confirmed this for me X

dowhatnow · 17/09/2016 14:26

Follow him around. Don't let him out of your sight and keep an eye on what he is doing. Then afterwards, ring a generic number and ask the general question about whether this is common.

Beeziekn33ze · 17/09/2016 14:26

You've let him in??
Check with the police whether it's genuine.

dowhatnow · 17/09/2016 14:27

ok genuine then. Ignore my last post.

BendydickCuminsnatch · 17/09/2016 14:35

Why is it unbelievable that your FIL organised this/put in a complaint himself? It sounds like he's prompted this visit by telling the company the service wasn't good, and it sounds like he's ok with the visit?

DesolateWaist · 17/09/2016 14:35

Just to let all the 'chief engineer, like fuck' people know we had an ongoing problem with our internet when we first moved in. It was an intermittent problem and couldn't be guaranteed to be happening when the engineer came round.
DH spoke to the chief engineer and ended up with his mobile number and asked him to call him directly the next time it happened.
He did come round and fix it.......on a saturday. That was Virgin too.

Original poster
Supermagicsmile · 17/09/2016 14:38

Thanks queenc81, that has reassured me :)

OP posts:
TheLastHeatwave · 17/09/2016 14:39

I'd still call virgin, tell them FIL is disabled, elderly & vulnerable & there's a man claiming he's here from their company & you need to know if he's genuine or not. There's no 'data protection' issues with that.

BillThePony · 17/09/2016 14:52

Are you in south east London loads of people round here having no problems with virgin this morning

Mynestisfullofempty · 17/09/2016 14:56

BillThePony your post really made me laugh. I'm having no problems with Virgin too. Grin

MyMorningHasBroken · 17/09/2016 15:02

I think I'd be more worried being the man this far down the thread with you taking pics of him and his van OP lol Grin

I thought it was a scam at first as I've had a lot of phone calls saying my broadband is dodgy and to supply all my details - so there are scams like this about but I think this guy is genuine now.

DarkBlueEyes · 17/09/2016 15:04

OP what is happening? Is the van a Virgin van or is it an ordinary van? If it isn't signwritten and if the guy doesn't have ID then get him out of there fast. Call Virgin immediately and check for an engineer's visit (which should have been booked). At least you are there with your FIL. Did he call for help with his broadband? In my experience they take ages to come....

DarkBlueEyes · 17/09/2016 15:06

Gosh this thread has moved on from when I read it, apologies for Xpost

user1473770087 · 17/09/2016 15:08

Nope i wouldn't trust it myself.

APlaceOnTheCouch · 17/09/2016 15:17

Your FIL complained about his broadband. Virgin sent someone to fix it. It doesn't sound suspicious to me.

UnderTheGreenwoodTree · 17/09/2016 15:27

It's a common scam and you were right to be wary.

But, seeing your updates, I'd say this is legit.

DesolateWaist · 17/09/2016 15:31

DH has had Virgin come and mend stuff here by mentioning it on their online forum.

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