Phone scams can be a scary experience, leaving many feeling vulnerable and anxious.
However, one reporter decided to flip the script on a scammer in a way that’s both empowering and hilarious.
Jeannette Reyes, a FOX 5 news anchor, turned a potentially life-altering situation into a moment of triumph, showcasing a clever way to deal with those attempting to deceive.
The call came out of the blue, with a scammer on the other end trying to intimidate Jeannette into paying a fictitious balance of over $2,700.
But she saw right through the scam.
Rather than cower, she hatched a plan to serve the scammer a dose of his own medicine.
When it came time to hand over her credit card details, she opted for a performance that was sure to make the scammer wish he’d never dialed her number.
He had no clue what was in store.
The man had threatened Jeannette that she’d be arrested if she didn’t pay off the large amount of money.
So, she fired back.
With the confidence of a seasoned news anchor, Jeannette launched into her “anchor voice.”
In the middle of giving out the credit card number, she said:
“3..2..1…good evening, we are live on television right now with an investigation into scam callers. We have the FBI on the line. They are tracking this phone number as we speak. Sir, what is your full name again?”
Naturally, that’s all it took for the scammer to swiftly hang up the phone!
This witty comeback didn’t just stop the scammer in his tracks – it also brought a much-needed laugh to viewers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been vocal about the rise in scams, with tricksters using calls, texts, and emails as their weapons of choice.
They’re masters of disguise, often masquerading as officials from government agencies or well-known companies, and they’re not shy about playing dirty, using threats to make you act without thinking.
The FTC’s advice?
Keep your cool and keep your personal info to yourself, especially if the request comes out of nowhere.
Scammers have a playbook, demanding payment via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards.
Spot these demands for what they are: big, waving red flags.
Jeannette’s bold move to share her scammer showdown on social media turned her into a bit of a hero.
With millions of views, her story struck a chord, resonating with countless others who’ve faced similar calls.
It sparked a conversation, with people chiming in to share their own scam-busting strategies.
With phone fraud on the rise worldwide, agencies like the FBI and Interpol are on high alert, reminding us to stay vigilant.
They stress that legitimate organizations, especially banks, won’t ask for sensitive details like your PIN over the phone.
Jeannette Reyes didn’t just escape a scam – she turned it into a teachable moment for all of us.
Her encounter shows the power of creativity and quick thinking in the face of deceit.
It’s a reminder that, while scammers are out there looking for their next victim, a little ingenuity can turn the tables and maybe even make us smile in the process.
Watch the videos below to see Jeannette’s hilarious prank and also an interview with her!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
@msnewslady Got some inspiration from @1roy_jr and added a little anchor twist to it 😌 #spam#scammers#phone#prank#anchor#news#tv ♬ Msnewslady – Jeannette Reyes
