New Threat with the scam "I'm from Microsoft Technical Dept etc"

I have been getting 3 or 4 telephone messages every day on this scam and usually just put the phone down. This morning I had a call from "Lisa" with the usual jargon so put the phone down. Two minutes later "Lisa" phoned again and said very fiercly that if I put down the phone on her again she would cncel my Windows licence. I am concerned that some people will worry over this and possibly fall for the scam. I know a few of my friends will likely be taken in so I am sending out a general mail to them. Has anyone else noticed this new slant?

mitchell65,

Here is some info from Microsoft you may want to send out to your friends:

Avoid Phone Scams | Cybercriminal Tech Support Scam | Security Threats

I get those calls all the time. If you want to get rid of them in a hurry, tell them you have an Apple computer.

Thanks for those useful links, Cottonball. I usually tell them that I don't own a computer, Essenbe, but they still keep coming. I now get them at breakfast time and then I am not best pleased

Or tell them you work for a government agency and your phone is being monitored.

Berton said:

I've gotten a few of those calls and they are very careful to never mention Microsoft, always say something like Windows Support Group or Windows Technical Group so they don't run afoul of copyright/trademark legal issues. I've tempted next time to have my Linux Mint box fired up and let them look at it. Hate to let them into my other computers as they seem to have a reputation of destroying things when payment is denied and they log out.

Not worth spending any time with them, I wouldn't give them access to my cat's litter tray!

Sounds like they are getting aggressive in their tactics, telling you they would "cancel your license." Unfortunately, that will probably work on some people.

Their tactics are starting to go the way of the current IRS phone scam where they threaten to send the police over to arrest you or confiscate your property if you don't send them a payment immediately. Yet another thing to watch out for.

Tell them this conversation is tapped in with a terrorist group or smth.