Do Windows engineers ever ring you about computer trouble?

[windywillow]

I've just had a call from someone claiming to be from Windows, telling me my computer is about to crash.

I'm very suspicious about anything like this, but is there any chance that it could have been a bonafide call?

I asked him for his telephone number and he gave me a number which is very similar to my own - when I mentioned this, he said he knew it was.

I know there are lots of scams re computers, but are any of these calls ever genuinely from Windows?

[vivandorron]

Do as Mark has said ( remove SS ) then click open MSE and scan your computer to see if anything nasty has got into it.

Lots of folk on AB have had such scam telephone calls and some of their responses have really made me laugh. One lady asked the caller to hang on whilst she switched on her computer; then put her radio set switched on with music playing alongside the telephone whilst she went about her household tasks.

Ron.

[Hopkirk]

Joko, just use your smoke alarm, on test.

[boxtops]

I agree with the others, this is a well-known scam - Microsoft will never ring you. If he rings back, tell him you've sold the computer. Tell him to clear off.

[windywillow]

Thanks for that link, Methyl, but I am already registered. It hasn't stopped the calls though. :O(

That man never rang back, although I had a call from a woman, about the same thing, this morning, and a call last night, caller display said it was international. When I picked the receiver up, got what sounded like a robot and it said "Goodbye", then disconnected. I've had loads of those. They are such a nuisance.

Thanks all for replies. x

[Hopkirk]

If you aren't expecting any international calls, then just don't answer.

If you have an answermachine, then let it answer any doubtful numbers.

[THECORBYLOON]

I got a call telling me there was a problem so I said I would need to switch on ma laptop. I got out of bed and made tea and toast. I went back to bed and it showed on the mobile 'phone they had held on for about ten minutes and had then called back twice.

[Hopkirk]

Not true Methyl, for residential lines.

This is from the TPS FAQs:


If you have registered a residential number or a number belonging to a sole trader or (except in Scotland) partnership, you do not need to renew. However, if you have registered a number on to the Corporate TPS belonging to a Limited company, Plc or other large organisation, you are required to renew annually.

(Mind you, TPS can't stop overseas calls)