Windows computer scam

JPD · Mar 1, 2015

Yesterday I received a blocked call from a man with a Hindu sounding voice. He told me he was from Windows computers and was calling because of the error messages they are getting from my computer. He wanted me to go to my computer and allow him remote access to check out what was causing those error messages. I told him he was crazy if he thought I would give him access to my computer. I didn't tell him this, but Windows is a operating system and not a company. If I am correct, Microsoft is the company that developed Windows.

In case you are not aware, If you give anyone access to your computer, they can get passwords and account numbers. Your accounts would be drained in a heartbeat. I just wanted to make you aware of this scam.

funtime · Mar 1, 2015

I have gotten several of these calls. At first I was getting worried that something was wrong with my computer but I quickly realized that it was bogus. It was a coincidence because I had just downloaded windows on a new computer so I was definitely wondering. I then realized that I never have gotten a phone call from a computer software company and that I never had given them my number. The last few times I was very rude and told them not to call here again. I have not gotten any of these calls since.

dougef · Mar 1, 2015

Got one of those calls this week - at 7 AM!! I started screaming at the guy and he hung up.

wilma · Mar 1, 2015

I have had several of these calls, I asked them to stop calling but they did not. Now when they call I say "Oh no, let me get on my computer" and just leave them hanging on the phone for several minutes until they finally hang up.

Pompey Family · Mar 1, 2015

I have an ultrasonic cat scarer, looks like a small megaphone and emits a very loud, high pitched squeal. I often like to let rip with this down the phone when I receive one of these calls.

Sometimes I like to play along, act stupid and let them think I've fallen for it the right at the last moment I release a stream of obscenities at them. It's the small things.....

Jestjoan · Mar 1, 2015

play along

A little scam baiting (learned that here) is fun.......

PigsDad · Mar 1, 2015

If I'm not busy, I like playing along with them as well. When they tell me they have been receiving errors from my computer, I simply tell them I have several computers (true) and ask them what is the IP address of the computer that is sending the errors, so I can identify which of my computers has the issue.

Then I sit back and listen to them squirm.

The truth is that they just cold-call people looking for a sucker, and given that most people have a home computer, it sounds legitimate. In actuality, they know absolutely no details regarding the computer(s) you may or may not own.

Having a little computer knowledge goes a long way in toying with these scum.

Kurt

Passepartout · Mar 1, 2015

The thing that disturbs me is that (from the above descriptions) the scammers seem to have a phone number to go along with your computer. I know that they might well be just robo-calling cold and never actually linking the two unless and until the mark (you) signs on to their website and clicks the link that allows them to take over. I can see a lot of ways and places for even the leery computer owner to see that this is a scam. 'Course the few that go along with it are sure to provide them a nice income stream.

dioxide45 · Mar 1, 2015

Passepartout said:
The thing that disturbs me is that (from the above descriptions) the scammers seem to have a phone number to go along with your computer. I know that they might well be just robo-calling cold and never actually linking the two unless and until the mark (you) signs on to their website and clicks the link that allows them to take over. I can see a lot of ways and places for even the leery computer owner to see that this is a scam. 'Course the few that go along with it are sure to provide them a nice income stream.

They are simply calling the masses, they just need the story to work on 1 out of 1000 and they come out ahead. They don't know if the person they are calling has a computer, tablet or smartphone. If their story breaks apart, they move on to the next call.

I am still not sure what they can get off your computer? Perhaps just install some spyware to steal your passwords? I don't think your credit card numbers are stored on your PC unless you perhaps have some money management software.

NKN · Mar 1, 2015

I've had several of these calls in the past. But my new digital phone has a call Block feature that works great. If anyone makes a similar call to me, just once, then I block them. The downside is I'm only allowed 60 blocks and then I have to delete a few.

Between answering machines, Caller ID and Call Blocking, I just don't answer the phone anymore, if I don't know who is calling.

It was really strange though, the first day I got a call from myself. The things they come up with!

NKN :crash:

Kal · Mar 1, 2015

The game they play is to lead you to a particular folder where you can see all kinds of "error flags" on your machine. Then the end game is for you to give them your name and credit card information which would provide you full access to their repair services. They also try to get on your machine which depending on your attitude could do severe damage to the operating system. At first they want about $300 but that is negotiable. Once they get your credit card info, the sky is the limit.

I've played with these guys in all kinds of ways even to a point of giving them phony name and credit card ID. It's fun when that bounces and they call back for major revenge. Then they desperately want to get on the machine for pure terror! :whoopie:

Recently tho I just offer ideas on how he can have sex with himself and the horse he rode in on. :wave:

PStreet1 · Mar 1, 2015

For a while, we were getting AT LEAST one call per day from them. Finally, my husband lost it and said unkind things to the caller. That caused the pace of the calls to actually increase; we then spent months hanging up as soon as we realized they were calling. For the last few months, we haven't had any, but yesterday about 7:00 am, we got one. This time I said "I think you must have the wrong number." We didn't get a call from them today, but it's too early to declare victory.

Talent312 · Mar 1, 2015

We got a new phone # via Magic Jack and magically, the phone stopped ringing.
Only our few friends, relatives and medical peep know the new number.
.

RonB · Mar 1, 2015

Since I retired, and have more time, I tell them I'm glad they called because my computer is so slow now. Can they really fix it? Then I tell them the computer is upstairs and not on, so do they have time for me to go upstairs and turn it on. Then I just sit back and tell them it's still booting up until they hang up. That keeps their calling numbers down that day ~ Ron :whoopie:

PigsDad · Mar 1, 2015

Passepartout said:
The thing that disturbs me is that (from the above descriptions) the scammers seem to have a phone number to go along with your computer.

They have no connection between your phone number and your computer -- they simply cold-call numbers. If you are gullible enough, they have you go to your computer and go to a web site where you download an application. When you run the app, it connects to their computer and then they can do most anything they want. :annoyed:

That is why if you challenge them to identify your computer (by an IP address, for example), they will just squirm because they have absolutely no information about your computer when they call.

Kurt

tante · Mar 1, 2015

I think I would play dumb and strong them along for a good hour.

tante · Mar 1, 2015

PigsDad said:
They have no connection between your phone number and your computer -- they simply cold-call numbers. If you are gullible enough, they have you go to your computer and go to a web site where you download an application. When you run the app, it connects to their computer and then they can do most anything they want. :annoyed:

That is why if you challenge them to identify your computer (by an IP address, for example), they will just squirm because they have absolutely no information about your computer when they call.

Kurt

Most people's computer has the same ip address anyway since the router start the ip numbering pool from the same spot. I bet if they just said 192.168.1.101, they could get most people's ip or enough people wouldn't know how to check.

IngridN · Mar 2, 2015

Passepartout said:
The thing that disturbs me is that (from the above descriptions) the scammers seem to have a phone number to go along with your computer. I know that they might well be just robo-calling cold and never actually linking the two unless and until the mark (you) signs on to their website and clicks the link that allows them to take over. I can see a lot of ways and places for even the leery computer owner to see that this is a scam. 'Course the few that go along with it are sure to provide them a nice income stream.

They haven't a clue. We're Mac and have gotten these Windows calls for 3 years now.

Ingrid

pittle · Mar 2, 2015

I have tried stringing them along and asking which computer it is - as we do have several. Since I know that they are lying, I feel that I can too, so I say that it is amazing to know that my MAC has a Windows problem. :ignore: They hang up immediately.

cmdmfr · Mar 2, 2015

Calls

I always ask them for the IP address and they tell me how to find it. I tell them no if you have access to my computer tell me the IP address then they usually hang up. I also ask them for a call back number and address if I am on the computer I look up where the number comes from. The last time hey said they are calling from Savannah GA and the phone number came up in Miami. I also asked for an address so I can bring the computer to them and then they usually hang up. I am going to try some high pitch noise next time.

ouaifer · Mar 2, 2015

Interesting

These guys are "good". We finally got our land line installed last week....first time in a year...recently moved in. Within 2 hours, we got our first call...this is an ATT unlisted number, unpublished. 2 days later we received another call. Guessing these folks have access to the ATT (and others) data bases.

akp · Mar 2, 2015

I've gotten 4 or 5 of these calls also.

Once I said "but I have a Mac" and the guy hung up.

On the next call, I told the guy that I knew it was a scam, that I'm bored with talking to them, and please don't call back. He laughed and said "no, I like your voice, I'm calling back every day now!" Luckily he has not done so

Windows computer scam

JPD

funtime

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

dougef

wilma

TUG Review Crew: Elite

Pompey Family

Jestjoan

PigsDad

Passepartout

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

dioxide45

TUG Review Crew: Expert

NKN

Tug Review Crew: Rookie

Kal

PStreet1

Talent312

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

RonB

PigsDad

tante

tante

IngridN

pittle

TUG Review Crew

cmdmfr

ouaifer

akp

TUG Review Crew: Veteran