I Was Phoned Today By A Mr Shah Of Microsoft Of Reading Saying My Computer

[gollob]

was being attacked. he then wanted me to go on my computer and check out some facts but as I was not at home I could not do this . He said he will phone me again on thursday. I suspecct this is some kind of scam as it was a private telephone number. Anybody know of anything similar

[woofgang]

oh scam, well known scam

[Jomlett]

It's a well known scam...either keep them talking (and swearing!) or just leave the phone off the hook till they've gone.

[Buenchico]

If that's the first time you've had such a call, you're very lucky. Most people have had dozens (or even hundreds) of them! My most recent one was just a few hours ago!

If you're mad enough to believe the callers, they'll 'make some adjustments' (which are totally unnecessary) to your computer and then demand money for fixing it (possibly leaving it 'locked' unless you pay up). Even worse, they could leave software on your computer which could, for example, leave your internet banking account open to attack.

AVOID!!!

[silliemillie]

If your computer was being attacked today wouldn't it be dead by Thursday!

[KARL]

In fact they usually say they are from "Windows Company" or something to that effect, leaving people to assume Microsoft. Their aim is to instruct you over the phone how to open the way for them to access your computer(you operate the mouse and keyboard as they direct). Under no circumstances do anything they ask.

[Old_Geezer]

How would he know if your computer was under attack ? Actually quite easy as he intends to perform the attack with your help. Either forget it or have fun stringing him along. Don't give over any control, play dumb and get things wrong. Don't pass over any genuine info. Don't do anything you don't know is safe.

[RATTER15]

Just go along with him for 15 minutes and then tell him you dont even have a computer. He will not know if you have one or not!

[jourdain2]

I had that one early Jan.. Fortunately for me I was in-between computers (mine had died a week earlier and a new one was on order). He put the phone down pretty fast when I said this, but until then I was being blinded by science.

When I went to pick up new laptop, I was told that Microsoft NEVER phones, they use e-mail. It's a scam.

[tamborine]

On my mobile I get 0151 Liverpool asking about my hearing. What....wot, wot wot...say that again, say it louder, slowly, spell it etc. They soon cut me off ;)

[TWR]

I did not like what my friend reply to the likes of these scammers & your P.C. sorry I'm Blind, calls are never returned, but his reply works.

[Buenchico]

>>> I was told that Microsoft NEVER phones, they use e-mail

In practice, unless you're a business customer, they use neither, since Microsoft doesn't know either the phone numbers or email addresses of home users of Windows.

[Mamyalynne]

I use the 'I don't have a computer' reply - they can get very indignant , one even told me I should be ashamed of myself. ;-)

[Tuvok]

There are loads of videos on YouTube of people stringing these scammers along - especially like the one that calls an American Policeman!!!

[Tuvok]

Here's the scammer/policeman call.

Althought its not the Microsoft scam its still a good one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4sy2-SMhL8

[silliemillie]

I just ask them 'which one?' They can't tell me so I put the phone down.

[Tuvok]

I used to get the Microsoft calls quite often - would tell them that I don't have a computer and that this is the xx time they've phoned!

Not a lie - I don't have "A" computer!

Probably still getting these calls - just let the new phone with built in True Call deal with them!

[CrapAtCryptics]

To never get these calls more than once have a look at the BT 8500 phone - has an excellent blocker system

[Peter Pedant]

it is quite a well known scam - where have you been over the last 5 y ?