Scam Phone call alert
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I experienced what I believe was a totally new (to me) type of phone scam attempt today, so I'm passing details along. I got a phone call that went along these lines: "Good Afternoon, I'm phoning from Windows, we've detected an issue with your PC and would like to assist you to resolve this. If you'd like to go to your PC, I'll show you what we've found......" At this point alarm bells rang so I asked the following; "Can you tell me the name of my internet provider?" That clearly didn't fit their "script" by way of response and I had to repeat the question several times before the caller hung up without further comment. Now I know that under the right direction distant operators can assume control of a PC remotely and suspect that is where the call would have gone had I allowed it. (they take you to a link to connect to a web-site, and ask you to download a short temporary program which allows them to assume control.) I assume even after that call ended that program would have stayed active allowing them to track or alter my activities such as on-line shopping and credit card/bank activities. The specific detail that immediately concerned me: There is no such company in the PC world called "Windows" that is a PC operating system designed and sold by Microsoft. And Microsoft do not have the ability, or desire, to track PC errors on remote computers and contact people in such an unsolicited manner. They couldn't tell me my internet provider name - who would have been the only source of my telephone number. I know of the remote control access software because I have allowed it in the past when I genuinely had a problem and contacted my Internet Provider and, even though I invited it and closely watched the activity of the remote operator it was unnerving. I'd love to find out if this is a known scam or a new development. Anyone here know? I'll have a look-see myself as well. Martin
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Yes it's known - but new to me. Been doing the rounds since 2009 apparently they do as I suggested they might and end up asking for credit card details to install and run a virus removal program. Simple advice if you receive such: Hang Up. Martin
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i just dont answer my phone thanx anyways for the heads up
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I got that call about internet problems and they claimed to be with Microsoft or something. So I actually called the company to find out that it was a scam , they told me the person doing this downloads the problem to your computer. He told me it is an attempt to steel the computer to get info from it. love doris
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"This is you last chance to lower your credit rate ... you won't be getting any more calls." I've gotten that call at least 10 times this year. It's a shame how often the phone and/or phoney emails from Micrsoft (or something like that) are used. You really have to be on the guard these days. Thanks for the tip Martin
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^ You only get that call 10x a year? I bet I've gotten it 10x a month...but it is beginning to slow. I also hate the one when you pick up the phone you hear a ship's bell or horn or whatever it is...advertising for a cruise.
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Haven't heard of this one, but appreciate the warning. I usually blow off scammers or just hang up on them.
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I used to think ..... how could these people fall for this type of stuff? (I have an answering machine and send calls that I do not know to voice mail ... I googled some of those ship horn calls and they seem to come from Seattle as a guess from the numbers used) ..... But ,,,, when I clicked on something for my computer .... and it looked just like my computer's pop up box .... I see that they are getting more sophisticated .... after all it is their job as scammers to get the best of you .... take you by surprise or get the quick dig of info .... before you know it ..... Try to keep anything you hear in mind .... thanks for sharing this Martin and for drawing attention to it ...
*(I knew someone a long time ago that tried to outsmart the scam .... thought they were doing well .... they got slightly taken ..... but it took a lot of work and time to recover any loss). -
I love caller id. If I don't recognize the number, I don't answer.
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Yes Martin, had them on the phone for 20 minutes failing to understand their instructions. I told them I was on a Mac and they hung up.
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Thanks for the heads up Martin... what will they think of next?
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I usually play with them. I tell them I have 4 computers. Which one is it? The white one?
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Common sense should apply. How many items have you owned in your lifetime that broke down? And how many times did any of the companies that made those items come to you without you telling them about your problem?
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My mom keeps getting an automated call saying that there is a problem with a bank account and they need the number. At first, she freaked (our bank will call to alert about certain activity but they always have the number handy). At first, she went with her instinct to panic and start running around looking for something with her number on it, then she realized that at the time, there were four of us living in the house using that phone number and all of us had bank accounts and the caller didn't have a name. Our bank will ask for someone by name when they call. She then interrogated the caller who hung up. the number was still in her phone and she showed it to the bank who said it was a scam. Never give your numbers to anyone over the phone.
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We get calls at least 2x per month: "We're calling about your credit card. There aren't any problems, but you MUST take advantage of our new low interest rates." If it's a recording, i just hang up. But if I get a live person, I make them hang up by saying: "What credit card company are you with?!" They know they've been sussed out & hang up immediately!
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I received 2 robo-calls from an unknown company promising to save me money by letting them take over my known electric supply company. I've had it before, after the second call & after I me pressed zero to get a person on line - they finally promised to put me on a "do not call list". It takes 48 hours to take effect ... so maybe I'll let all calls go to voice mail ... just to make sure. We'll see
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If you have caller ID...and would like a good link to a website that will help ...this is a good one http://800notes.com/
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My husband gave another phone scammer a good earful the other day!
Bet that jerk never calls here again! -
I wonder if a door salesman offering me a deal on cable service from the Time Warner Service. Even though I already have service with them counts here. I already know about the service. Only the number doesn't match the number I normally call. love doris
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doris mendlovitz:
I wonder if a door salesman offering me a deal on cable service from the Time Warner Service. Even though I already have service with them counts here. I already know about the service. Only the number doesn't match the number I normally call. love doris
I personally would never entertain any salesmen on the doorstep. They usually get a "thank you for calling" and the door shut in their face (politely with a smile) before they can continue their sales pitch. If you want to review your deal with Time-Warner - go on-line and take your time reading what you're getting and at what price - and sleep on it for some time before committing. Doorstep salesmen want an immediate signature before you can do any of that. Here in the UK we have, by law the right to cancel any agreement made by a pushy salesman on a home visit within 7 days - but it's best never to sign anything in the first place. Don't get duped by anyone doing a "survey" that involves giving any personal information - the details may be used to switch a provider such as gas, phone or electric without your consent or signature. Martin
