Scam "Ringing from Microsoft about your errors"

Sally_A

I asked them for the ISP of the infected computer, as they obviously know so much about me, told them we had 20 PC's here in our office environment (liar, liar, pants on fire), this boggled him for a while. I asked him to be specific of the current risks....he read them out (he went for the scary stuff for several minutes); I thanked him and said I would inform our IT department. Not heard from them since.

edwink

My SIL gave remote access to someone once who said they would speed up her computer after she agreed with them that it was running slow. Cut a long story short a couple of days later they phoned her and asked for payment for this service. She said she could pay by card but they asked her for cash and said they would come to her house to collect the money. They asked her to ring them when she had got the money out of her bank account and they would take a note of her address then. We stopped her getting the money out when we realised what she had done. They continued to phone her for weeks. But, have finally stopped now.


That was worrying. She is a little venerable so I am glad she told us about it and we managed to stop her paying the money in time.

peter_the_piper

Sally_A wrote: »

I asked them for the ISP of the infected computer, as they obviously know so much about me, told them we had 20 PC's here in our office environment (liar, liar, pants on fire), this boggled him for a while. I asked him to be specific of the current risks....he read them out (he went for the scary stuff for several minutes); I thanked him and said I would inform our IT department. Not heard from them since.

That's my tack as well, that and MIL saying she has no computer. Not lieing really as its mine there. They have thinned out at the moment so I shall expect the calls to start again with the change to 10.

The-Truth

trotter09 wrote: »

Just had a scam 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 lying tw*t, f*** off you scammer and f*** off you lying c***.

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 b******. Maybe we should end this call?

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

So politely I said: F*** off you lying scamming criminal c***.

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.

As I understand it, they get you to give them control of your computer saying they will fix the (non-existent) problems. Actually they gain access to your passwords, online banking details, etc.

He was very plausible and I can see how some people do get taken in. Be wary.

This probably happens umpteen times a day to him, it's probably like water off a ducks back . Why waste your time?

trotter09

The-Truth wrote: »

This probably happens umpteen times a day to him, it's probably like water off a ducks back . Why waste your time?

It's fun - entertainment!

teddysmum

edwink wrote: »

My SIL gave remote access to someone once who said they would speed up her computer after she agreed with them that it was running slow. Cut a long story short a couple of days later they phoned her and asked for payment for this service. She said she could pay by card but they asked her for cash and said they would come to her house to collect the money. They asked her to ring them when she had got the money out of her bank account and they would take a note of her address then. We stopped her getting the money out when we realised what she had done. They continued to phone her for weeks. But, have finally stopped now.


That was worrying. She is a little venerable so I am glad she told us about it and we managed to stop her paying the money in time.

It's a pity you didn't arrange for a collection and have the police waiting.

lincroft1710

Had one of these calls a week ago (I've had them every 6 weeks for the past 7 years!)

I pretended to follow his instructions to press various keys on my computer, he then asked me what I could see on my screen. I replied:

"My screen's gone green" To which he had no answer and he put the phone down!

BlueEyedGirl

I got my 'first' call like this on Monday. Played along with them since I was bored... before eventually telling them "'F**k Off You Scamming B***ards!" I am registered with the TPS.

Call came from 0013254578

They have called a further 4 times this week, but they are now blocked.

Ironically friend got a call same day... only she had no computer / laptop!

Hoof_Hearted

I. too, like to waste their time. At the end of the last one I asked "Sean" whether his mother knew he was a thief. It obviously touched a nerve and he went mental. For an Indian, he had an in-depth knowledge of swear words.

trotter09

Hoof_Hearted wrote: »

... I asked "Sean" whether his mother knew he was a thief.

Excellent, the best line I've heard. I shall definitely use that if they call again.