possible scams

carith · Post by **carith** » Wed 16 Mar, 2011 2:00 pm

Is it me or has anyone else had a call informing them that their computer has been infected. The caller said that my computer is being attacked by bugs and malware and at a cost they would remedy this. Not a bad offer considering that I have got full protection installed and using windows 7 system. Told them in two words where to go.

Keg · Post by **Keg** » Wed 16 Mar, 2011 3:55 pm

Hi Carith,This is a popular one, what they also then do is e-mail you a file or link which if you open, allows access to your PC. You gave the right answer!

Leeds Hippo · Post by **Leeds Hippo** » Wed 16 Mar, 2011 8:29 pm

Yes I had this call a few weeks ago - the guys broken English gave him away - if you Google the Microsoft Scam it appears entire office blocks in India are dedicated to these scams - with the local police turning a blind eye (for a small consideration no doubt)

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Wed 16 Mar, 2011 9:24 pm

carith wrote: Is it me or has anyone else had a call informing them that their computer has been infected. The caller said that my computer is being attacked by bugs and malware and at a cost they would remedy this. Not a bad offer considering that I have got full protection installed and using windows 7 system. Told them in two words where to go. I wonder if the caller understood the two words you said! I have call screening which asks callers to state who they are and leave a message. Potential scammers will usually end the call there and then. If the caller does leave a message then I will answer it while they are still calling if I know, or think I trust, the caller.

carith · Post by **carith** » Wed 16 Mar, 2011 9:31 pm

hi Leodian, Dont think he understood my first response to this was "No thankyou" but my second and final coment to him is universally understood.

gbdlufc · Post by **gbdlufc** » Wed 16 Mar, 2011 9:57 pm

I just put them on hold for 5 minutes or so while I supposedly turn it on, then befriend them, then tell them the PC switched off by itself, then go through it all again (or as many times as you feel fit) and finally let them know it's a MAC!!

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Wed 16 Mar, 2011 10:16 pm

carith wrote: hi Leodian, Dont think he understood my first response to this was "No thankyou" but my second and final coment to him is universally understood.

Keg · Post by **Keg** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 10:56 am

Brilliant!, if i get a call i will try that- alterativley just tell them that i am old and have no PC but can they help with my steam powered radio!.

carith · Post by **carith** » Fri 18 Mar, 2011 7:35 pm

Had them calling me again today, this time i told them Iwas using widows 3.1 and played along to the point that they wanted me to pay them. Asked them for an address to send a chegue , was informed that I had to pay by card only. When I told him that I do not have any debit or credit cards they hung up!!! cheeky SO and SO's.

Post by **chameleon** » Fri 18 Mar, 2011 8:50 pm

carith wrote: Had them calling me again today, this time i told them Iwas using widows 3.1 and played along to the point that they wanted me to pay them. Asked them for an address to send a chegue , was informed that I had to pay by card only. When I told him that I do not have any debit or credit cards they hung up!!! cheeky SO and SO's. \try putting them on 'hold' - ask them to wait, then go make a duppa - and drink it before just hanging upBetter still, one of thiose shrieking panic alarms will put a fle in their ear