My neighbour mentioned she had seen my friend in the park who was very worried about me, that I was in hospital and had broken my leg. So, I rang her. She sounded relieved I was Ok and she had sent the money etc. I asked what was wrong, I was fine and had not been in hospital. It turned out someone with my first name had been texting her, saying they were in hospital and needed some money put on their pay-as-you go phone.
So, she had done this. Not once but several times. Then, she had given them her bank details! I said, I hadn't done that, I would not ask for money like that. I told her, how could it be my number and she said it had come up with my name on her phone. I had had no class on my mobile or home phone. Then she said she had bills coming out and was hoping I would pay her back. She said the last reply she had given she had asked me if I could get my husband to give money instead.
She didn't seem to believe me that I didn't have anything to do with it, as I adviser her to contact her bank straight away and possibly the police and report the fraud.
I don;t understand why she didn't ring me on my own mobile or home phone number to check. I asked her for the number making the calls, and when she told me I checked online and it was a phone scam, someone saying they were called either Emma or Claire (not my name but for example) and making this message about having a broken leg, stuck in hospital and needing credit. Obviously as my friend had responded, they had then gone on to ask for more.
I felt cross, and sorry for my friend, but I haven't offered to pay back the money, as it wasn't me. I think, she should possibly get it refunded if it is fraud. I also feel cross that she thought I would do that. And distrustful of our friendship.
AIBU?