I am writing to give information regarding fraud phone calls.

We have received fake calls from the IRS, from Windows etc. They offer tech support but will actually put a virus into your system. I have done some research in this area.

If there is a several second delay before the caller begins speaking, the call is coming from overseas, mainly Pakistan. They get around the “do not call” list.

I called Windows; they will never call you if you have a problem with your Windows, email or call them.

Beware of fake charities. They may use the word “cancer” or “heart” in their name. If you want to give to a charity that calls, ask them for their local number and address. You can check them out and give locally.

Do not respond to bank emails. Call the bank and forward the email to the fraud unit. A foreign accent is a giveaway, although many of the callers have American accents also.

I just received a call that wanted to make sure I filled out a form and if I did it correctly, all they wanted was my information. The IRS or any company will mail you if you did not give correct information. As soon as you receive one of these calls simply say “I do absolutely no business over the phone, remove my name from your calling list now!”

There is no response to that, although one man told me “OK, old lady.” Another called back and hung up on me. If that is the worst they can do, that is fine with me.