Phone call re Trojan virus??

shopping_mad

I've just had a call (private number) from an Indian gentleman (no offence intended I promise, just pointing out he came across as a typical indian call centre worker) stating he was from Windows, Microsoft in Luton and that my computer is generating Error reports each day due to a Trojan virus...

I was suspicious but thought I'd see where it leads, he told me the name the software is licesenced to and the first line of my address.

He then asked me to run msconfig and pointed out the stopped & running status'

He then sent me to Team Viewer where he wanted me to download software... at this point my 2 year old was crying at me (poorly & wanting a drink) so I said I had to go, he tried to get me to continue but I said I couldn't do it now, I ended the call and saw to my daughter...

I'm highly suspicious of this call and wanted to confirm if it was a scam??

We have quite good anti virus software and only access the 'usual' sites, not anything & everything and rarely download anything so I have my doubts over this.

As I was typing this the phone rang again but I've ignored it.

stilltheone

It's a scam.
The Team Viewer software is legitimate, but sadly, unscrupulous people are using it for nefarious purpose.

shopping_mad

Just found an article via google search on the Guardian website so I think I had a lucky escape!

free4440273

it's a scam !

macman

Of course it's a scam, Microsoft do not phone users about viruses, nor do they even know who their users are, or have their phone numbers.

kwikbreaks

You'd think it would be possible to get these scamcalls blocked somehow. One of the newspaper reports said a completely unbelievable percentage of phone users had had one of these calls (either 25% or 33% from memory).

We use callerid and don't pick up on numbers we don't recognise so that's probably the only reason I've never had one.

Nuthatch_2

Sorry as i'm just adding to what others have said - but it is a scam - they could never know that there was a virus on your computer - they want you to go online to enter in your credit card details - probably under the illusion to download some anti-virus software or the like.

But it is a scam - don't know if you can report it as if they're saying they're from Microsoft surely this is bringing a legitimate company and its reputation down?

Zoee

Hi shopping_mad

You're not the only one it seems. When I get those types of calls depending on my mood, I'll either

give them the telly or a radio speaker to talk to

or

just let them speak to the table

or

keep saying yes, yes, yes, yes, yes (you get the point and so do they) to every question until they hang up

or

just plain hang up meself


One day they asked to speak to Mrs XXXX when I said she's not in they said oh you'll do

PLEASE

There are others on this forum that have had similar experience to you in one way or the other.

This forum thread on 'Ways to stop overseas sales calls' may be of help to you and others and this thread will have you laughing with a choice on what to tell them (if you can be asked) should they call you again.

Zoee

RuthnJasper

Sorry sweetie. As others have said, definitely a scam. Sounds like your little tot got you out of a potentially nasty situation. She's clearly a smart girl!! An MSE'er of the future, I hope...

Best wishes to you. xx

andy2004

oh goody, someone else who had the same call i've had on 6 occasions, on the last call i received i asked who he was and he said i'm from microsoft help, i told him he wasnt from microsoft as microsoft wouldnt/dont phone anyone. I got him angry at me, he said if you dont want my F***ing help then dont, then he slammed down HIS PHONE, .

steve1980

I feel left out, I never get these calls, I would love to speak to someone and make them jump through hoops!