Microsoft ringing me at Home ??

rolo1952

Can anyone give any thoughts on this as I don,t know if this is a scam or legit.
I have just had a telephone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Customer services.
They informed me that my computer is automatically contacting them to let them know that I have a problem on my computer.
As it is I have had a recent problem with my computer but this was with broadband connection and has now been rectified with a new router and reinstall of operating system (Windows Vista)

Is this normal policy for Microsoft or am I being overly cautious.
I was unable to chat much today with them as I was on my way out they say that they will ring me again tomorrow morning must say they appeared to be persistent in wanting me to discuss my computer problems with them

thanks.

dixiebb

it's a scam; ignore it .:cool:

s4lvatore

Huge scam.

If you carry on talking to them they will will talk you through to show you some log on your PC which will have errors on it (this always has errors on it!) and they will offer you a subscription service of about £150 p/a to get rid of it for you.

Search youtube to listen to some people winding them up for ages when they call them! Its hilarious

aerostar

See this I posted a little earlier

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3299722

don9999

Definitely a very common scam.

I was called yesterday too.

They claim to be from Microsoft, but if questioned will admit to being a company called something like HelpPCOnline Ltd.

If you ask them for a phone number to call them back on they will quote either 0800 977 0035 or 0203 026 3248. (Do NOT call them back on either!)

(I'm sure everyone knows their modus operandi - they will persuade you that there is a problem on your computer. They will either get you to download some software, or to give them remote control so that 'they' can download the software. They will then charge you a fee to remove some malware - which 'they' actually install under the pretence that it is remedial software!)

'I' just strung them along. Asking her name. Where she was. How long she worked for the company. Whether she enjoyed it etc. etc... Meanwhile I said I was just starting up my PC so that I could follow her instructions. But...my PC was running VERY slow, so was taking a long time to load up. After all...it was HER that was claiming she knew my PC was running slowly. In the end she just gave up on me....lol.....

Next time, I'm just going to put them on hold. Indefinitely.

Cheers,
Don

aerostar

don9999 wrote: »

Definitely a very common scam.

(I'm sure everyone knows their modus operandi ........

Unfortunately average Joe Public does not know of the scam, that is why so many get caught.

There should be warnings on TV, Radio and the papers for things like this, but as it is not sensational, the media does not bother.

Dave_C_2

aerostar wrote: »

Unfortunately average Joe Public does not know of the scam, that is why so many get caught.

There should be warnings on TV, Radio and the papers for things like this, but as it is not sensational, the media does not bother.

Maybe this should be mentioned by Martin next time he's on TV.
Is there a mechanism for escalating stuff like this for his attention?

Dave

clinteestwood

Scam Scam Scam Scam

ClaphamRanger

Complete scam - they used to call me up several times a day. Luckily I'd read a few forums and was wise to it. They gain remote access to your PC, infect it with a virus and then charge upwards of £150 to remove it for you. If you have 5 minutes spare then string them along a bit - if nothing else they're runnung up a phone bill...

rolo1952

Thanks for all the replies .I will string them along when they phone me tomorrow.

Any ideas how they know my name and telephone number which is exdirectory.

martinthebandit

see here as well

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/06/16/tech_support_scam_calls/