Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Site Notices
Posted: 4/18/2007 9:50:37 PM EST
I work for a department in Texas and I received a strange phone call yesterday afternoon.  

It was from a number I did not recognize but I still answered the call.  When I picked up an older female voice asked for me by my first name, Benjamin.  Not knowing the number of the caller I asked who was calling.  The caller replied with a first name, "Ruth" for these purposes, and nothing more.  Upon further requests for the nature of the call and a last name "Ruth" continued to ask if I was Benjamin.  Eventually she hung-up on me.  

A little "unofficial" checking into things, mostly Google, I found some more puzzling facts.  The number the call came from is a residence in Georgia, a state where I don't know anyone.  Google search of the address provided for the number shows a registered sex offender living at the address.  With the residence being confirmed for the sex offender on the 14th of this month.  The registered sex offender at the address where the phone number is listed has the first name of "Ruth", same as the caller gave.  The picture listed for "Ruth" would match the voice I heard.  

I am slightly concerned about someone who if a registered sex offender having my cellular phone number as it is not listed and my number is blocked when I call out.  Being in my line of work I am puzzled as to how she got my number and my name and wonder what additional information might be in her hands, and why.  

I guess what I am asking is how I should proceed with this.  Should I make formal inquiries or just leave it alone as a coincidence?

Any advise would help from the Hive.

Thanks.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 12:33:02 AM EST
[#1]
If it was me I would get a hold of the person in questions, parole/probataion officer.  If they are not on probation but are a registered offender then I would just contact that persons nearest Police or Sheriffs department and explain what has happened maybe someone there is familiar with them or might know something.  If nothing happens there then I would just document it with bolth departments yours and theirs.  If it happens again I would see if that persons department would be willing to pay the offender a visit.

Link Posted: 4/19/2007 3:23:01 AM EST
[#2]
Not to sound paranoid but watch your/yours rear a little closer for a while.
Is it possible that you had something to do with this individual being arrested/convicted? If your position might of had something to do with this then it could be a starting point.
I would not hesitate to contact the number and try to find out what/why the call. Also maybe a "professional courtesy" call to the local LEO there (Georgia, in his town) might help.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 3:23:44 AM EST
[#3]
Have they done anything wrong? Nope! How does a picture match the voice you heard?

Sorry gotta play devil's advocate.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 3:51:57 AM EST
[#4]
I agree about the watch your six!  

Be careful brother.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 8:01:38 AM EST
[#5]
If she's a criminal, her kids probably are also. Do you give out your cell number when you work domestic violence, or child wellfare? She probably was asked to call by her relitive in jail, oe something.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 10:37:51 AM EST
[#6]

Quoted:
If she's a criminal, her kids probably are also. Do you give out your cell number when you work domestic violence, or child welfare? She probably was asked to call by her relative in jail, or something.


I don't give my phone number out to anyone at work.  I did think about the other family members though.  I think when I get back to work I'll check involvement on the last name and see if I've dealt with any recently.  
Link Posted: 4/22/2007 5:01:12 AM EST
[#7]
I get similar calls. People call, try to disguise their voices, make threats, etc. Or just call at 2-3 am to wake me up. Your phone company can help in these matters. Just ask them.

There are very few real coincidences in life... I say NEVER assume anything is a coincidence. Check it out thoroughly. Learn all you can about this incident, because knowledge is power. Some people call this kind of thinking "paranoia" ... I call it just being cautious.

I would never, ever answer again to that number. Someone might link you to the offender and name you as an accessory/conspirator if that offender is under investigation for anything. Cops have to be especially careful about who they associate with. You could possibly be made to look like you are communicating with... "A KNOWN SEX OFFENDER" if someone is after you. Can you see the news headlines?

If it persists, notify your supervisor, you might even want to do it now, and start a trace.

I personally never answer an unknown/id resrticted number, or even a number I don't recognize, just to be on the safe side.
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top