"Ringing from Microsoft about your errors" Scam

trotter09

Just had a call from an Indian chap. "Hello, I'm ringing from Microsoft about the errors on your computer."

Oh, really? I said.

"Yes, can you switch your computer on please?"

OK, I said. I waited for several minutes saying it was slow to start up today.

"What icons are showing on your desktop please?"

Er, Recycle Bin, My Computer, shortcut to my photos - is there one particular one we are looking for?

"Can you right click on My Computer please?"

OK. Which of the three problems I've got are you ringing me about?

"All of them, Sir."

I see, and which errors have actually been reported to Microsoft?

"All of them."

Including the blinking screen?

"Blinking screen, Sir?"

Yes, the blinking screen. And the leak - have you got details about the leak?

"Sir, please right click on My Computer. What options is it showing you?"

OK. Three options: Sod off you (text removed by MSE Forum Team)

Unperturbed he said: "Your computer is telling you to do that?"

No, it's telling me to tell you to do that. I hope you realise I am trying to waste as much of your time as possible you criminal (text removed by MSE Forum Team). Maybe we should end this call?

"But we haven't solved your errors yet," he said perfectly calmly.

So politely I said: (text removed by MSE Forum Team)

And he said: "Thank you for your time, Sir."

Needless to say my computer was never switched on. And there's nothing wrong with it. I don't think they'll ring again.
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JJ_Egan

Do you want to bet on that ??

I reckon its 1/1000 that you get more .

soupdragon10

I just had a similar call - again kept him chatting asking him questions until I got bored and put the phone down

Oblivion

I get loads of those type of calls ... I just leave them to do battle with my digital answering machine.

barmonkey

I just set of a rape alarm into the phone

DCFC79

There's a long running thread/s on these phone calls. Well done on not falling for it, yes you may get more of them or maybe just 1 now and again. Ive had maybe 3 in total over a space of maybe 5/6 years.

Yolina

Diamanda Galas, "wild women with steak knives (the homicidal love song for solo scream)" is all you need
I do love what she does, mostly... that one however is on the very far edge of experimental vocalism shall we say, and is best reserved for scaring the cr*p out of dodgy callers :rotfl:

onomatopoeia99

Just say "linux" and they end the call immediately.

datostar

Oh, they're definitely getting more desperate. I've had 2 of them this week. One called me a (text removed by MSE Forum Team) and the other called me 'condescending'. Pity they're not within physical arm's reach.

jenniewb

Put the phone on top of the radio/microwave/toilet and continue on with my day.


They normally hang up by the time I check back having used whatever option I've left them with a few times beforehand.


Other than that, tell them the PC is a mac.


Or if you do want a wind up, either answer every question with either "yes" or "why" (pick one only to use on repeat) until they get tired and hang up.

letsbehonest

This is a well documented scam and has been around for a few years, there is even a large thread on this site and is a commical read in places. I for one kept these muppets going for 21 mins (timed) before I got bored and they accused me of waisting their time and telling me I had to much time on my hands which is true.
Sad I know but it amused me and family who were listening in via hands free phone.