Computer repair scammers claim to be from Microsoft

JMH · Apr 22, 2012

Telephone solicitation scams happen all the time, but now it seems a new type of phone fraud is starting to make itself known.
Colorado's KKTV.com reports that this new phone scam involves a person claiming to represent Microsoft.

Microsoft has sent out a statement about this kind of remote PC repair scheme, saying:

This is a known scam.
Criminal organizations are using Microsoft's name to try to gain your trust.
I can categorically confirm that neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls to help solve your computer problems.
If you receive an unsolicited phone call that purports to be from Microsoft and requests that you send personal information, hang up the phone.

http://www.neowin.net/news/computer-repair-scammers-claim-to-be-from-microsoft

zigzag3143 · Apr 22, 2012

I have seen hundreds of these a day. It is so prevalent I have a canned speech for it.

GZ · Apr 22, 2012

I refuse to give any form of information over the telephone when I recieve a call...

Even if I am passed due on a bill (and I know it) and the company calls me, I will always end the call and call them back.

It is sad how many people fall for this kind of scheme every day.

zigzag3143 · Apr 22, 2012

Absolutely. I rarely answer the phone in the first place. Its a shame so many people get stung.

Corrine · Apr 22, 2012

True story from another forum:

I've had 3 of these calls from "Microsoft" in the past 2 weeks. Thought I'd have some fun when the last call came in last night.

"Hello Mrs. D., I'm calling on behalf of Microsoft"

"Uh-huh", I said.

"I'd like to discuss your Windows with you..."

"I like blinds on mine"

"Excuse me?"

"Blinds. I like blinds on mine. That way I can let just the right amount of light into the room and it doesn't wash out the picture on my TV."

"No madam, I mean your the operating system"

"I'm not a doctor"

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not a doctor so I can't operate"

"No madam, the Windows operating system"

"I've also got curtains over my blinds. It frames the Windows so nicely!"

"Mrs. D., I wish to talk to you about your computer"

"I use Linux...will that be a problem?"

Click

Some people just have no sense of humor.

Microsoft Online Privacy & Safety article: Avoid Phone Scams | Cybercriminal Tech Support Scam | Security Threats

Laxer · Apr 22, 2012

:hysterical:

That's just too great!

JMH · Apr 22, 2012

We tend to forget that on a daily basis there is a new generation of users going online for the first time who are totally unaware of the scams, pitfalls etc involved.

Often this ignorance continues until they are compromised or indeed fortunate enough to glean some knowledge from Forums such as this.

joeten · Apr 23, 2012

Had a few of those some weeks back usually I play along for a bit then quote a list of qualifications at which point all I hear is click

zigzag3143 · Apr 23, 2012

Microsoft Answers is teeming with both the scammers and the victims. Caveat emptor.

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Computer repair scammers claim to be from Microsoft

JMH

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zigzag3143

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GZ

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zigzag3143

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Corrine

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Microsoft MVP,
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Laxer

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JMH

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joeten

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zigzag3143

Contributor, Sysnative Staff Emeritus

Computer repair scammers claim to be from Microsoft

Emeritus, Contributor

Contributor, Sysnative Staff Emeritus

Visiting Expert

Contributor, Sysnative Staff Emeritus

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Co-FounderSenior Administrator

Emeritus, Contributor

Emeritus

Contributor, Sysnative Staff Emeritus

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Co-Founder
Senior Administrator