Phone call PC SCAM

Well, I hate to revive an old thread, well not really. But I have had 2 calls in the past 2 weeks. The latest one today. He said he was from the Domain name registrar who registers all web site's names and someone was hacking my web site and my computer and using it for illegal activity. He was heavily accented Indian, and I had some trouble understanding what he was saying. I told him first I didn't believe him. He said that my computer had been hacked and was being used and he could see it being done right now. I reached over and turned my Router off, and asked him what he could see in my computer. He said he could see everything. I asked him how many music folders I had and their names. He started telling me the names of music, I've never heard of. I then asked how the Domain Name registrar could see such things when they only issues domain names for web sites. He said because he worked for Microsoft and they had my licenses and could see my computer which is why he called. I told him he had told me he worked for the DNR and now he tells me he worked for Microsoft. He said because Microsoft owned all the domain names for web sites and he was trying to help me stop my computer from being used. I told him Microsoft does not own all the domain names and frankly does not really care if my computer is being hacked. He said Microsoft does care and that's why he is calling me from Microsoft to help me. I said MS won't help you if you call them, much less them calling you. I said let me just guess, the next thing you want to do is have remote access to my computer. He said that was necessary to protect me. I asked why he needed remote access if he could already see inside my computer and could do it that way. I kept him on the phone for about 30 minutes and eventually had him so confused he was stammering and stuttering. I started laughing. He said I shouldn't laugh at him. I told him I was laughing because he should be more selective in who he calls. He wanted to know what I meant. I said because you can't answer any of my questions honestly and tell the truth, and if you are going to scam people you should be sure you don't call people who know more about computers than you do. He told me that if I didn't let him have remote access to fix my computer, Microsoft was going to cancel all of my licenses on Monday. I asked him which ones I have. he just said all of them. I said be more specific and tell me the names and numbers on the licenses. he couldn't do it. I just couldn't get him to give up. He said I was wasting his time and my licenses would be cancelled. I said, you are right, I am wasting as much of your time as I can because it keeps him from scamming people who don't know any better. He said that was rude and not right, and he would cancel all my licenses himself if I didn't cooperate. I told him he wasn't going to cancel any licenses because I didn't have any, he wasn't going to take my web site down because I don't have one, he wasn't ever going to get remote access to my computer and he wasn't going to get one rupee out of me. I said whatever list he got my name off of, I suggest you remove my name because I'm going to waste a lot more of your time next time you call me, and he should get a real job instead of trying to steal money from other people. He told me I was stupid. I just said well, one of us is anyway, and hung up the phone.

So, even though this thread is old, it is still going on and people are still being scammed. Apparently they have enough success to make it worth their while and I only wish there was a way to inform the Public of what to expect and I wish Microsoft would put and end to this, which is coming primarily from India. I know they have no authority in India, but they have the resources and influence to make something happen there.

Oh s*** Steve, does this mean you are forced to use pirated Windows after MS revokes your licenses on Monday? Let's hope you will not need any assistance with crashes and such thereafter as we are unable to assist pirates .

Kari

I guess I will have to, but I will request the permission of John, as I would hate to be banned from this site. I agree about the assistance with BSODs and such, Pirated software is, not viewed favorably here. So, I guess if I need help after Monday I will be forced to ask Capt. Jack for assistance as he seems to not mind Pirates.

essenbe said:

But I have had 2 calls in the past 2 weeks. The latest one today. He said he was from the Domain name registrar who registers all web site's names and someone was hacking my web site and my computer and using it for illegal activity. He was heavily accented Indian, and I had some trouble understanding what he was saying.

You're much more patient than me. I got 30 seconds into the same call a couple of days ago and gave the guy a serve and hung up. Later I thought I should have strung him along..

Ah well, next time..

tanya

Tanya, actually patience is not one of my virtues, assuming I have any. It's just sometimes I find great pleasure in aggravating the living S*** out of certain people. This was one of those times. I guess I just have a mean streak in me. I hope they understood that. otherwise, next time I will try to keep them on the phone for an hour.

In most countries I know cigarette packs must have the obligatory warning about it being dangerous for you. In some countries they even discuss adding some kind of warning in alcohol bottles sold.

As this is a very serious and dangerous crime that targets innocent users, what if Microsoft and big software makers added a warning in their products:

   Warning

Microsoft will never call you asking access to your computer. We have no way knowing what your computer contains and if it has malware. Each and every call like this is a scam, its intention to criminally profit of you and information found on your computer. You should never let the caller access your computer.

In case of a scam call notice the number call came from if possible, hang up and report the call to us using this form: https://support.microsoft.com/Contac...?wa=wsignin1.0

This could be printed in physical retail products in the packing, in case of digital media it could be printed in the bill and / or confirmation email, and so on.

Kari I think that is a great idea.

No, it's an excellent idea, which is probably why it will never happen.

It should display on the "Welcome" window every time we boot.