Phonecall from Microsoft

[craft1948]

I've just had a phonecall from someone saying they were from Microsoft and something had triggered an alarm saying that when I was browsing my PC had downloaded something dodgy (this morning). I've only paid 2 visits to secure sites (including my bank) this morning. He knew my name and wanted me to run a programme to fix the fault - I refused. Has anything had anything like this?

[lumination]

hmmm, sounds a bit effiy to me, i think you were right to refuse them, and especially if they havent called you back to sort it out. plus, how would you know if he was from microsoft? you'd think they could prove it in some way

[SazzyC0]

Sounds v. dodgy!

[craft1948]

I'm glad it's not just me being paranoid!! Think I'll run my Norton antivirus anyway

[terambulan]

did they leave a number, can you trace the call.....ring 'em back and check.

Microsoft are in Reading, Berks.

[ChuckFickens]

yeah my father has had a couple of call of a similar nature.

They are not genuine, you done the correct thing by refusing to run any software suggested by them.

if they call again just hang up on them

[craft1948]

Thanks people - I think the call was from an overseas (possibly India) call centre and 1471 has number withheld. Am currently scanning my entire PC.

[vehelpfulguy]

Make sure you dont have a keylogger program on your computer.

A keylogger program records every key stroke you do on your computer and the details can be sent to another computer without your knowledge.

If you have visited you bank maybe those details have been sent to another person or computer.

The fact they had your phone number is a worry.

Maybe they ring people at random but it does sound dodgy the fact you have been to your bank web site this morning and THEN got a phone call.

[squarebear]

But they didn't mention anything about your bank. This is obviously a hoax, probably found your name and phone number in the book.

[vehelpfulguy]

As a matter of interest, are you using a wireless router with NO wifi security installed?

Maybe someone is "listening in" to your wi fi connection and making a note of what you are doing.

Just a thought

[vehelpfulguy]

>But they didn't mention anything about your bank.

They are hardly likely to mention the bank as this will give the scam away straight away.

Sound much more "official" to say it is from Microsoft.

>probably found your name and phone number in
>the book.

This sounds FAR to much like a coincidence to be someone just sticking a pin in a phone book and picking a name at random..

This person KNEW you had been on your computer and probably KNEW you had used your bank web site.

I would be VERY suspicious.

[ACtheTROLL]

the chance of anyone listening in on your wi-fi is pretty slim
wi-fi is so bl@@dy short range that it's either your next door neighbour ... or someone sat outside
and accessing HTPPS sites is encrypted anyhow.

this sort of thing is almost certainly "stoopid ware"
from the sound of it - someone asking you to install their keylogger so they can start watching you.

you sound pretty level headed - so just go with the usual precautions

you need to scan for viruses - malware and have a firewall
virus = norton
malware = ad-aware & spybot search and destroy
firewall = norton? or zone alarm

I've started rebooting before and after banking
I run each of the above types of software
(kaspersky (virus and firewall) plus ad-aware and SS&D

don't confuse virus and malware - they are different and need diferent scanners

[craft1948]

How do I check re the keylogger program? I have run Norton antivirus and it has sent a report to Norton for something suspect (can you tell I'm not exactly computer literate). Will now reboot.

[craft1948]

Oh forgot to say I do not have wifi connection

[Ethel]

This is very odd - if somebody were 'up to no good' why would they telephone you to alert you to it?

Just coincidence you had visited your banking site this morning. As you refused to run the program there is nothing to worry about