You may receive a call from someone claiming to be with Microsoft. They will tell you there is a problem with your computer and you have very limited time (20 minutes or so) to correct the problem or your computer will crash. We all know that Microsoft is not going to personally call you and help “fix” your computer. But, we all know the scammers will call you. We are unsure if the caller wanted a credit card number, access to the person’s computer or some other personal information because the potential victim hung up before giving them the chance to say anything else. Can you believe the scammer had the nerve to call back?
As always, never give personal information to unknown callers, and in this case, don’t give anyone access to your computer. Be smart, be on the defensive, ask questions and follow your instinct.
Is there any thing I can do about these callers? I have had two calls today and I was told that they would keep calling and keep calling. I don’t even know why they would want to keep calling, its not like they are going to get anything from me. By now they should know that I know it is a scam and its not going to work. I would like to report these calls but don’t know where to report them. Help!
Lindsey
Report this comment
Thank you for your comments. Since it is unknown where the calls are originating from, it is going to be hard to know who/where these scammers are. You may wish to contact your local phone company to see if the number(s) can be blocked. You may also wish to contact your state Attorney General, the Federal Communications Commission or Federal Trade Commission for further recourse.
Report this comment
I’ve received three calls from somebody with heavy accent. They said they are Microsoft office in Philippines. and warned I might have a problem. They told me what to enter into my computer commands. After a few minutes I realized the route we were taking would allow them to take command of my computer. (we did that with bonefide company once)
That’s when I hung up. They just called again today. They also knew my name.
Report this comment
My computer system has been ailing for some time so when someone (India accent) called saying our computer was “broadcasting” its information across the internet and it was Microsoft calling to help fix it mentioning “free,” I was interested. After an hour scurrying through my computer with their access and my visual, I saw thousands of infected files with “INF” extensions and their explanations seemed correct because they corresponded to my computer problems. I was forwarded to a supervisor. Then came the offer of returning everything to “like new” for $177.78 – using MC or Visa. When I told them I left my card at home away from my business, they agreed to call back the next morning – but never did. I learned from our computer geek in Twin Falls that it was a scam and they may have already caused damage – but not to my credit card!
Report this comment
We hear these types of situations all the time. You always want to be sure you know who is on the other end of the phone. Don’t give personal info or credit card or bank account numbers out unless you initiate the call and truly know who you are speaking to, not who they may say they are.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Report this comment
Just got one of these calls today – thick accent, my caller ID said “payphone” – they said they were from Texas (hah) -
and wanted me to go sit in front of my computer,
it was phishing for sure,
for all they knew, I could have had a mac !
I have the number they were calling from if anyone is interested.
Report this comment
Great job spotting the scam and not giving them any information!
Report this comment
Ok I am freaking out cause I got this call this morning and I believed it Im an idiot I let this fool have control of my pc. and I am the first one to tell someone “it’s a scam” but I got scammed in a bad way. I did not give him any info vocally anyway no credit card or bank info but who knows what is on my pc . Can anyone help me I don’t know what to do. But I did tell him “I am broke and cannot pay for this. He offered to do the service anyway and I could pay him no later than today and so he left his “name” number and an ID number. But since I let him on my pc how do I know he isn’t still on it now? I don’t do any banking on line but I have bought things in the last few weeks. Help what can I do ? I am gonna call the police right now because he keeps calling me and leaving messsages that I need to pay or he will have to deinstall the “program” and the FBI will soon follow and raid my house and take my posessions and my pc and then they will prosecute me for the illegal activity that hackers are doing through my computer.
Report this comment
Sorry to hear that this has happened to you. The first thing you may want to do is change ALL your passwords for everything (both on your computer and internet passwords), and then re-start your computer. You will also want to monitor all accounts that you have. These include accounts like your credit cards, bank and even internet accounts such as the places you have made purchases. Finally, you may also wish to contact a reputable computer repair shop and determine if any other action is necessary. As always, check out a business at http://www.bbb.org.
Report this comment