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There's a problem with your computer scam

cepheus
cepheus Posts: 20,053 Forumite
edited 25 May 2016 at 12:33PM in Techie Stuff
I'm sure we've all had plenty of these calls, probably from abroad. Is there any consensus or ideas on how to deal with them? Ignoring doesn't work, screaming the same, pretending to be interested and wasting their time might help others, but just generates more calls on your number.

I think most of us would like to see the telecoms operators or government be more proactive with foreign companies, it's pointless addressing just UK ones.

Why are the scammers always one step ahead of the authorities. Surely with all the apps floating about to disguise where the call is coming from, someone would be clever enough to devise something which overcomes this. How would GCHQ trace a call for example? With all the technology available surely there's a way given the will.

Perhaps we should direct them to the TPS (or another number) saying I know someone who's desperate for a windows fix please contact them ASAP. If the TPS get sick of the redirections they might do something?

I'm surprised the authorities haven't used a fake account in which the money can be traced around the banking system. Another idea is a redirect 'time wasting bot' which keeps the conversation going as long as possible. Any sort of real initiative and action would surely be politically popular.
«13

Comments

  • donnac2558
    donnac2558 Posts: 3,639 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Simple, get caller ID and don't answer unknown or out of area number.
  • pappa_golf
    pappa_golf Posts: 8,895 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    go make a brew , have a bath , learn Linux ,


    whilst they are on the phone to you , and you understand the scam , they are leaving other people alone


    enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz0cEo2h3f8
    Save a Rachael

    buy a share in crapita
  • System
    System Posts: 178,364 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Hi

    have a brew? coffee counts I suppose.
    have a bath? what in the middle of the month?
    learn linux?

    The last one is a bit of a fallacy, because at least one of these scammers now will accept linux PC's and remote in.

    Sometimes the word Debian scares them off, with me it the word Gnome, but they are working towards Apple / Tablet devices as well.

    Kinda takes the fun out of it.
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • ballyblack
    ballyblack Posts: 5,153 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    but they are working towards Apple / Tablet devices as well.

    as the old home PC becomes more rare, they will have to switch to tablets
  • Robisere
    Robisere Posts: 3,237 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    "I don't have a computer."

    Caller hangs up.

    Simples.
    I think this job really needs
    a much bigger hammer.
  • pappa_golf
    pappa_golf Posts: 8,895 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    johndough wrote: »
    Hi

    have a brew? coffee counts I suppose.
    have a bath? what in the middle of the month?
    learn linux?

    The last one is a bit of a fallacy, because at least one of these scammers now will accept linux PC's and remote in.

    Sometimes the word Debian scares them off, with me it the word Gnome, but they are working towards Apple / Tablet devices as well.

    Kinda takes the fun out of it.




    "PARDON I,m DEAF , SPEAK UP"


    no its half past two




    she moved from here 3 yrs ago , here is her number (local computer shop)
    Save a Rachael

    buy a share in crapita
  • Johnmcl7
    Johnmcl7 Posts: 2,842 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    For the landline I find the BT Call guardian system excellent as I haven't had any of those calls for a long time as it immediately trips up any system using an auto dialler.

    John
  • katejo
    katejo Posts: 4,292 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    My landline number is ex directory and I haven't yet had one of these calls despite having read about them many times.
  • esuhl
    esuhl Posts: 9,409 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    cepheus wrote: »
    I'm sure we've all had plenty of these calls...

    Am I the only one who has never had such a call...? :undecided
  • pappa_golf
    pappa_golf Posts: 8,895 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    esuhl wrote: »
    Am I the only one who has never had such a call...? :undecided












    sign up to talk talk , you will get many then
    Save a Rachael

    buy a share in crapita
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