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

[mitchell65]

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?

 

[cottonball]

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

 

[essenbe]

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.

 

[mitchell65]

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

 

[whs]

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

 

[Berton]

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.

 

[mitchell65]

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!

 

[Borg 386]

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.

 

[RoasterMen]

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

 

[groze]

RoasterMen,

I wouldn't go that far.



All,

I keep getting those calls a lot and told them I was on the Federal and State do not call list. They still keep calling. There are starting to get to the point of harassing. One time they called I got very :mad2: and told them to stop calling in very bad terms (I wasn't in a good mood) and the next day I got the call again.

 

[Layback Bear]

Tell the caller that you are not the computer person. Hold on while I get my son to talk to you.
Then just wait and see how long you can tie up their phone while waiting.

 

[LMiller7]

Do Not Call Lists only work with callers who are trying to stay legal. Scammers know full well what they are doing is illegal and couldn't care less about any do not call list, even if they had access to it.

 

[ThrashZone]

Get caller i.d. and report to your phone company the exact time and number if it comes up as a number listed or private,
They can look it up that's when the exact time comes in handy if it's a private number,
Keep them on the line for at least 5 minutes or use another line and call your phone company to trace it.

I haven't had any calls gezz I feel left out

 

[Jacee]

The last call I got, they said my computer was transmitting a virus ... I asked which one?
Sometimes I like to 'play', other times I just hang up. If you don't have caller ID, a delay before the caller replies back to your 'hello' is usually a give away that it's a solicitor/spam.