Unbelievable phone call with IBM! [UPDATED]

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afd · #1 Post by **afd** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 1:17 pm

I just got off the phone with an IBM support technician after a 90 minute phone call; 90% of the time was him asking me personal questions that had absolutely nothing to do with the computer. I would like to think he was just being friendly, but I was a little nervous when he kept asking me for my AIM screen name and email address, and asking how tall I was and how much I weighed. He also dropped a couple F bombs, told me his "girlfriend has a p*enis" and told me how he doesnt need her anymore because "everything I need is right on my computer".

Before I talked to him, I twice called the IBM tech number and got a recorded message saying that "the number has been disconnected", the 3rd time I called it connected and I ended up talking to this guy. Is it possible that the number could have somehow been hacked and abused by someone?
He twice called me on his personal cell phone (I have call waiting) during the IBM call, apparently so he wouldn't be recorded talking to me about Product Recovery CDs. I would keep bringing up the reason I called, which was getting a box sent to me so I could send my TP in for repair, he kept saying "its still loading" (for like 20 minutes) and then continued trying to talk about my personal life. I did not get a good vibe from this guy, I was creeped out. Im actually scared to know that he has all my personal information, including where I live. He even asked why type of house I live in and what car I drive!

*Update*

The number I dialed was 1-800-426-7378. I'm now sure that the guy I talked to WAS indeed a IBM employee, because I received my box to ship the TP in today.

I called back the same number this afternoon, and amazingly enough I talked to the same person. This time he was professional and acted like he didnt know who I was, despite the fact that he had spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone with me the night before. I'm guessing that he must of been drunk the first time I talked to him. At least I got some free product recovery CDs out of the whole thing.

Website · #2 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 1:29 pm

Definately sounds like someone hacked the line or something. What number exactly did you dial?

JHEM · #3 Post by **JHEM** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 1:30 pm

What number did you dial?

Where are you located?????

Regards,

James

o1001010 · #4 Post by **o1001010** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 1:34 pm

the ibm serv number?
did you dial 866 or 877 or something?
or 900

#5 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 1:43 pm

I have been dealing with IBM for years, and have never had a conversation like that - *never*. Even friendly IBM'ers are still professional, and friendliness extends to weather and mundane stuff like that. Nothing personal. I think you were had. ... JD Hurst

DIGITALgimpus · #6 Post by **DIGITALgimpus** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 2:56 pm

Indeed. My conversations with them (quite a few) were extremely professional.

nirvana0001 · #7 Post by **nirvana0001** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 3:12 pm

last time i called for a hdd replacement, only took 15 mins totally, no more than 15 sentense.
are you sure that you dial the right number?

egibbs · #8 Post by **egibbs** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 3:34 pm

I would say to call IBM and complain, but after reading the full post I think a call to the police might be more appropriate.

Ed Gibbs

smugiri · #9 Post by **smugiri** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 3:39 pm

Easiest way to check:

Call IBM using the Customer Service Number on their website.

Ask if they have a record of a request from you for warranty service, if they do, that request is tied to a a record of the rep that you talked to. You can start having action taken about the call using this info.

If they do not have your request for warranty service in the system then you probably called a wrong number and had someone play quite a prank on you.

Another option could be that you are playing a prank on us here ...

christopher_wolf · #10 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:21 pm

Well; it might be possible that the line was phreaked at a junction on their end (That might explain that the number was stated as it was disconnected, things like this can be done with some simple electrical tools and a lineman's handset). Either that or somebody, somebody that might not have been authorized, may have picked up the phone; but both of those sound far fetched to me. Most likely some "weirdo" you got...but I don't know what to make of that disconnected signal. Perhaps the ESS sent your call to an inappropriate line?

#11 Post by **Kyocera** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:59 pm

Pretty sure after the "girlfriend has a penis thing" I would have been outta there

Could be a disgruntled employee, on crack or ecstasy, or someone just messing with your head.

#12 Post by **bill bolton** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 5:23 pm

What has this got to do with T4X model laptops?

#13 Post by **Kyocera** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 5:36 pm

Nothing, that is why it is moved to "off topic"

440roadrunner · #14 Post by **440roadrunner** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:20 pm

I twice called the IBM tech number and got a recorded message saying that "the number has been disconnected

?????WHAT????? is the number you called?

afd · #15 Post by **afd** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:42 pm

The number I dialed was 1-800-426-7378. I'm now sure that the guy I talked to WAS indeed a IBM employee, because I received my box to ship the TP in today.

I called back the same number this afternoon, and amazingly enough I talked to the same person. This time he was professional and acted like he didnt know who I was, despite the fact that he had spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone with me the night before. I'm guessing that he must of been drunk the first time I talked to him. At least I got some free product recovery CDs out of the whole thing.

christopher_wolf · #16 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:45 pm

afd wrote:The number I dialed was 1-800-426-7378. I'm now sure that the guy I talked to WAS indeed a IBM employee, because I received my box to ship the TP in today.

I called back the same number this afternoon, and amazingly enough I talked to the same person. This time he was professional and acted like he didnt know who I was, despite the fact that he had spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone with me the night before. I'm guessing that he must of been drunk the first time I talked to him. At least I got some free product recovery CDs out of the whole thing.

Well, you never quite know do you?

I think I would mark this as an Interesting Event in life; the guy probably just needs to switch to decaf.

Unbelievable phone call with IBM! [UPDATED]

Unbelievable phone call with IBM! [UPDATED]

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