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Citibank - Identity Theft

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NathanAlexander View Drop Down
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  Quote NathanAlexander Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Citibank - Identity Theft
    Posted: 16 Apr 2008 at 10:46pm


I suppose by now we've all seen these cutesy commercials
featuring ordinary people, speaking in voices that are not their own.

The "identity theft victim" is usually shown sitting calmly, mouthing the words
as the hilarious voice of the "identity thief" describes a rampant shopping spree.

In each of these ads, the humor comes from the sharp contrast
between the voice-over (the voice of the evil thief) and the appearance of the "victim".
A beautiful black woman speaks in the voice of a dorky white teenage boy.
An old lady talks like a trucker, a redneck talks like a schoolgirl.
The voice is usually very animated, while the "victim" sits with a deadpan face, mouthing the words.
Hilarity ensues.

My problem is with the latest in this series of ads,
featuring "Darrel P.", a black man in an undershirt.

You know, sometimes you go over to someone's house and they have the TV on.
You'll stand around talking, maybe you get a drink from the fridge,
and then you are suddenly interrupted by this hideous noise coming from the TV.

"Good Christ," you both say.
"What is that awful sound and how do I make it stop?"
Turning toward the television, you see Darrel P. - Identity Theft Victim.

Darrel P. speaks in the whiny high-pitched voice of a stupid young girl.
I've never actually heard fingernails on a chalkboard, but I have heard it described.
This voice, it's like a mosquito that flew into your ear.

Oh, but Darrel P. doesn't stop at just speaking.
Darrel P. sings a song. A Toni Braxton favorite, "Unbreak My Heart".
This is the point when everyone in the room lunges for the mute button.

The other annoying thing that sets this ad apart from its predecessors
is that, as Darrel chatters and sings,
he makes faces and gestures like an excited teenage girl.

In all of the other Citibank ads, the "victim" seems completely unaware
that a strange voice is coming out of their mouth.
In this ad, Darrel P. seems not only aware, but delighted!
His hands flutter like cartoon bluebirds as he makes all kinds of annoying girly talk.
A small point, yes, but aggravating to me nonetheless.
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  Quote FaithSF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Apr 2008 at 8:14pm
I'm sorry to disagree, Nathan, but I absolutely LOVE that commercial!
You're just jealous 'cause the voices only talk to me--and Yutolia!
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  Quote Thor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Apr 2008 at 8:35pm

I love the whole series of 'em.

 

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  Quote FaithSF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Apr 2008 at 6:53pm
Me, too, Thor. But I especially love the Valley girl coming out of this guy's mouth.
You're just jealous 'cause the voices only talk to me--and Yutolia!
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  Quote Zemlianika Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2008 at 4:01am
I don't like the commercials. in fact, I don't like any commercial which interrupts me in the middle of a good movie.
The Russian Winnie pooh ROCKS!
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  Quote PaWolf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2008 at 4:52pm
Time to 'wake this thread up', Kiddies.
 
As much as many folks didn't like the Citibank ads - I'm a HUGE fan of them...(I always thought they were funny, with a very important point).
 
Now...maybe this will help bring that very point back into perspective (note: this is not meant as a 'scare tactic', but rather - information)...
 
Make your own decision.
 
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talisman218 View Drop Down
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  Quote talisman218 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2009 at 4:13am
Citibank is the one robbing people.
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  Quote PaWolf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2009 at 5:26pm
Originally posted by talisman218

Citibank is the one robbing people.
Not to disagree, but maybe it would benefit all to have some substantiating evidence?
Always helps support an accusation.
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  Quote talisman218 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2009 at 6:37pm
Your right, I should have used the word deception/decieve instead of robbing. Legislation trying to be passed for credit card companies.
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  Quote talisman218 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2009 at 6:44pm
The AlliedBank commercials.  The commercials with the boy with the truck and the girl with the pony and then he takes them away.(funny). What's also funny is that there trying to sell honesty.
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