Posted on 04/20/2016 10:08:50 AM PDT by catnipman
Avoid tech support phone scams
Cybercriminals don't just send fraudulent email messages and set up fake websites. They might also call you on the telephone and claim to be from Microsoft. They might offer to help solve your computer problems or sell you a software license. Once they have access to your computer, they can do the following:
Trick you into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords. They might also then charge you to remove this software.
Convince you to visit legitimate websites (like www.ammyy.com) to download software that will allow them to take control of your computer remotely and adjust settings to leave your computer vulnerable.
Request credit card information so they can bill you for phony services.
Direct you to fraudulent websites and ask you to enter credit card and other personal or financial information there.
Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
(Excerpt) Read more at microsoft.com ...
The phrase...”We’re from Microsoft and we’re here to help” should be second in terms of fearful scenarios to the phrase..”we’re from the government and we’re here to help”!
I’ve yarned these third world vermin along on the phone, then erupted snapping off on them, I had one guy very angry, he called back. I immediately answered “what do you need @#$$&^?” Did the same to a woman who gasped like she jumped from the phone. I’ll ask them where they are calling from, they usually say Vegas or California..I’ll keep them on for awhile and then say “oh you’re not where you say you are, look at that” claim I’ve trace software and know their location, they’re in trouble now. Often I mention a drone strike.
There is another scam going where they say they are from the IRS. (They even have a 202 area code --Washington DC). NOTE: The IRS doesn't cold call, either. Just tell 'em to send you a postcard, and if they are who they say they are, they already have all the information they need to do it.
There was another one claiming to be from a publisher's house, with a name that sounded like Publisher's Clearing House (of Ed McMahon, balloons, and ten million dollar sweepstakes). These folks are not the guys you see on the TV, who will notify you by mail if you win.
[[and if they are who they say they are, they already have all the information they need to do it.]]
That’s a very good point- and another point that Microsoft made in it’s official response- they said they already have all the info they need- and will never ask for it over the phone like the scammers do
There’s another swcam goign around that claims to be a collection agency- they are Very Very aggressive, and demand that you get in touch with htem or face an investigation- what htey are doign is cold calling, usually over legit claim, but they are calling everyoen who has similiar last name, hoping to find the actual person they are after- this is illegal- they are not allowed to call a person’s friends, family, or acquaintances and do the crap these unethical collection agencies do
We were almost stung by such a scam- they make it seem like they know all about you or family member, and that they are authiorized to basically use these aggressive tactics because of delinquent payments-
Verizon and comcast and other such companies employ these maggots to collect delinquent fees- and these creeps like i mentioned call everyone with a similar name and harass them mercilessly- until they eventually stumble on the right person
Me:( with Indian accent) Oh my jolly gee gosh. Quick Vishnu turn off all our computers.
Him: I only need to talk about one computer.
Me: I didn't catch your full name. Could you restate it please.
Him: My name is Jack
Me: Is that from the Off family.?
Him: Huhh?
Me: Is you your full name Jack Off?
Him: Whaa? Are you making fun of me?
Me: Most certainly,absolutely. Do you have a sister? Is she a good kisser?
Him: ( unintelligble Hindi) probably cursing me out.
Me: When do you get off work? Are you attractive? ( At this point he curses some more and hangs up) Sometimes I like these guys.
I do the same. It is a challenge to see how long I can keep them tied up.
Lol. I did these kind of things too, when I have some free time. Sometimes I’m on the line with them for almost an hour. However, most of time, I just ignore calls, especially if it comes from number I don’t recognize. I usually just check the number on Google, or sites like http://whycall.me to see if there have been any reports filed under that number. If yes, we can just block the number without even answering their call.
I tell them I don’t have a compulter. I used to play with them, but if you do that, there is a chance they put your number on a “call more often” list or something.
These scammers rely on people not knowing much. Because I taunt them using technical facts, I have rarely had them call back again.
It would be nice if there was a uniform (and harsh) response to such scammers from law enforcement across the globe. But that is wishful thinking.
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