Racinbob 11,918 #1 Posted April 3, 2014 I just now received a phone call from 'Windows'. The guy stumbled as he was trying to talk to me but said they had reported issues with my computer. Then he said that I needed to go to my computer and he would talk me through the fix. I ain't the sharpest spoon in the drawer but I knew something was wrong. I told him I'm not biting and hung up. A quick search and this is what I found directly from Microsoft: This is a phishing attemp!. Do not give out any information. There have been reports from people about these calls from someone representing Windows (note: not Microsoft). This is a scam! Do not follow their directions or advice and provide NO information to them. Since they are using the internet and/or phone lines to accomplish their fraud, there may be federal agencies in your country that are interested in finding out about their calls. Report them directly to the appropriate agency if you feel that you can contribute in their arrest and prosecution. Microsoft does NOT pick up the phone and start dialing customers and never phones/emails people asking them for personal information or requesting them to visit some web site! Please disregard any of these calls and hang up immediately. Let all your computer using family members know about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,289 #2 Posted April 3, 2014 At least it's better than someone from Washington DC calling to say "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help". In either case, hang up fast. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #3 Posted April 3, 2014 Same difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,880 #4 Posted April 3, 2014 It's most certainly a scam, I've receive the phone call myself which was interesting for several reasons. First, I have 1 Windows computer, and 2 they called me on my work phone. Now that 1 Windows computer is an IBM asset, as is the work phone. So when they called me, I quickly said.... "Thank you for calling IBM, please give me your customer number and I will direct you to our corporate security team immediately". Heard a click and they haven't called back again. So essentially what these guys do... they have you review the error log on your computer, then they gasp saying how bad it is and that you have to go to this website to download the fix (with is usually around $50). They will call and call again... best defense is tell them that they are mistaken, you do not own a computer.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,579 #5 Posted April 3, 2014 Had the same call here a couple of weeks ago....we knew well enough to not do anything they said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,289 #6 Posted April 3, 2014 Got the call today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #7 Posted April 3, 2014 I have gotten that call more than once - and I just tell them I don't have a computer, but I have several windows in my house. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #8 Posted April 3, 2014 What if the guy said, I've got this low hours Wheelhorse......... Good heads-up on the scam - thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,057 #9 Posted April 3, 2014 Just like telemarketers, tell them you are very interested but need to put them on hold for just a bit. Then just leave them hang on the line to waste THEIR time so less people are bothered with their crap. The less calls they can make, the less chances of cheating someone else. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheeledhorseman 579 #10 Posted April 3, 2014 We've had these calls in the Uk as well. First time I just hung up. A few days later I got another and had a little fun. Listened to his spiel then.... Sounds serious, which one? Your computer. Yes, but which one, I have a network with several computers here. It's on your computer. Look I'm sure your trying to be helpful but how do I know which one to go to that has this issue. You need to go to your computer. I told you, there are several and they're on a network, if you can see this issue on a computer on my home network then tell me the MAC address of that machine then I'll be able to go to the right one so you can help me fix it. pause............... You have an issue with your computer. And you're wasting my time. Goodbye. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,918 #11 Posted April 4, 2014 What if the guy said, I've got this low hours Wheelhorse......... Good heads-up on the scam - thanks! Well, living in Florida, that would have definitely made me think it was a scam. Wait.......I did actually find two down here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
