Windows Tech Scam

[shadowkat]

Over the past two months, I've received about five or six phone calls from Windows Tech Scammers. Sometimes they miss me and leave a message, one time I told them they had the wrong number, because I couldn't understand a word they were saying. They all have a thick "Indian" or "Bengali" accent - - in short they sound like the people in my neighborhood. Which could fool you, since Dell has a habit of outsourcing it's tech support to India.

Cold Caller: This is about your computer and..
Me: Who is this?
Hangs up.

Two days later:

Cold Caller: This Ari from Windows Tech Support and we are calling about your computer.
Me: I know this is a scam
Cold Caller: I assure you it is not a scam.
Me: Do not call this number ever again or I will have you arrested.

A week later:

Cold Caller: Hello, this is Ali from Windows Tech Support, I'm calling -
Me: Going to interrupt you right there -
Cold Caller: Excuse me, Miss, but I am calling about your computer -
Me: Actually you aren't because I don't have a computer.
Cold Caller: You don't have one?
ME: No, you have the wrong number.

Two days later.

Cold Caller: This is Rohig from Windows Tech Support, I calling about computer Id number ....
Me: How did you get my computer ID number?
Cold Caller: It is on file - (No, actually they got my IP address from various social media that I write on. Including Livejournal. But you can't do anything with an IP address nor can you tell what computer or operating system the person has. The assumption is everyone has windows, but there are various types of operating systems as any true techie knows. It helps to have tech friends.)
Me: That's impossible since I don't have a Windows Computer. And by the way, I work for Homeland Security. [I got fed up with all the phone calls. You'd think they'd get the message?]
Cold Caller: How can you not have a computer and work for Homeland Security?
ME: It's not a computer with a Windows Operating System, you aren't very bright are you? And my friend works for Microsoft and I know for a fact that Microsoft never calls customers.
Cold Caller: That's not true, we do call-
Me: You should know that this call is being traced and the police are on their way to arrest you as we speak. Goodbye.

I swear, next time they call me, I'm going to get a name, address, and as much info as possible, lead them on while inserting it all into Microsoft Windows Fraud Complaint Form. I've already filed a complaint about both numbers, after blocking them.

If this happens to you? Here are some helpful links:

* Tech Journalist Plays Along with Scammers to See What They do

* Computerworld article on Cybercrime and Windows Tech Support Scammers

* Microsoft Safety and Security Against Cybercrime -- provides a link that you can file a report on the scam and what happened, so the company can pursue the scammers.

* Report the Call to the Authorities

* Discussion of Scam:

Also, you can look up the number, which should be logged in your caller history - if you have a digital phone. Google it. File a complaint. I did that for both numbers. Then I blocked them.

Note - Windows and software developers never call you if there is a problem with their software. They send an update to your Windows software and that takes care of it. The computer manufacturer handles tech support, not the software operating system. So if you get a call like this it is a scam.

Comments

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

All good advice. And they certainly don't take a hint do they.

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

Nope. Persistent little buggers. If I get again, I'm going to lie and tell them I work for Windows Tech Support.
There's articles in Wired and other publications about what happens when you play along...and you really don't want to.

[kathyh]

This has been happening to me in the UK for years. It comes in waves and varies slightly from time to time. At the moment they are telling us our internet is about to be cut off despite the fact we don't use the ISP that is apparently cutting us off, so be aware of that one. Unfortunately I can't block them, but I have reported them, let them drone on, put the phone down on them, but nothing works. I'm considering keeping a high pitched whistle by the phone for the next spate of calls.

[honorh.livejournal.com]

Or an air horn. Air horns are nice for stuff like this.

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

One guy plays THIS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNaR6FRuO0) whenever it happens.

[classics-lover.livejournal.com]

My Dad nearly got done with these scammers once. He was expecting a call about hospital issues (he had cancer) and when this scumbag said there was something wrong with the computer he freaked out, and made them phone back when I, the computer person in the house, got home from work. And they did. And I told them where they could go and how to get there. And they called back again. And again. and again, and again, and again. I knew it was a scam from the get-go, but because Dad wasn't feeling well on the chemo, he was vulnerable to their manipulation tactics. Assholes.

I finally got them to stop with, "Oh, you work for Microsoft? Do you know ? He works there, too. He told me Microsoft never cold-calls customers, so I don't understand why or how you got my phone number." And "Ever heard of Macs?" As well as the standard "take me off your calling list at once or I will get the guards*."


Gardaí = Irish police

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize this problem was worldwide. Ugh.

Had a similar situation happen with my parents a while back. I was there at the time and managed to get rid of the guy.

They pray on people who aren't computer savvy...it's infuriating. The only thing you can do is report it and try to block the calls. I put my phone numbers on the "do not call registry" as well. Because the telemarketers are driving me nuts.
Also, once you register your phone number - it stays registered, and if telemarketer's call it -- you can complain to the FTC who will fine them and penalize, since it is illegal to call anyone listed on the do not call registry.

[classics-lover.livejournal.com]

Oh, it was in Ireland five or so years ago (the time my Dad got caught with it), it's well-known over here, but there's always some vulnerable person who'll get caught off guard. *ugh*

[honorh.livejournal.com]

They call us ALL THE TIME! Usually, the calls have been bounced around somewhere in the States, but the callers have thick accents. I wish telling them to go away would work, but it hasn't so far.

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

The only thing that worked for me was blocking the call. Then they grab a new phone number and do it again.
Persistent little buggers. I kept reporting the number they are using, and filing complaints.

Now, I'm going to tell them that I work for Windows Tech Support - when they call and see what happens.

[raincitygirl.livejournal.com]

Wow, I would've fallen for that. Except I have a Mac. But I totally would've fallen for it if I had a PC.