Microsoft is SO Thoughtful & Kind!

CanadaSue · 08-06-2012, 04:28 PM

'They' just called here - my SD picked up the phone, listened with a puzzled look for a bit, then turned to me & asked me if I was having any issues with my computer - slowdowns, viruses or anything like that. Because... according to this concerned gentleman, our ISP had called Microsoft to express concern about our computers' performance.

Man, I knew our cable/net/phone company was on the ball but it warms the cockles of my heart to think that they personally keep an eye on my computer & call the software provider when they think I might be having issues. I feel so loved, so cared for.

SD told the heavily accented dude that I said I wasn't having any issues, then passed on the message that I should turn on my computer so he 'could show me'.

It took longer than it should have to convince her to just hang up...

Can't belieev the stream of bogus phishing calls we're getting lately.

NowVoyager · 08-06-2012, 04:37 PM

Just guess but did the number come out of Washington state down here in the US?

There's a scam ongoing that the number(s) trace back to a number in WA state and that number had literally 100's of complaints filed against it for this very thing.

CanadaSue · 08-06-2012, 04:56 PM

Weird number: 4-057-901-8298.

Can't find it with the 4 prefix & trying it with 057 isn't getting me any info.

NowVoyager · 08-06-2012, 05:02 PM

Here's a link to a story about this: http://greekgeek.hubpages.com/hub/te...computer-virus

Common Computer Fraud

I just received a scam phone call, and I want to warn you so you don't fall for it. The scammer pretends to be from Microsoft or some other legitimate company to trick you.

Even if you wouldn't be fooled, please warn friends and relatives (especially elderly ones) who might not be aware of scams like this. Victims of this fraud could suffer anything from identity theft to having their computer hijacked and used to send spam or viruses without their knowledge.

[Update 5/2012: or the scammer could bilk you out of $150 or more, see the experience of commenter LGNTexas in the guestbook at the end of this page.]
"Your Computer Has a Virus"

Here's my transcript of this scam phone call.

[Heavily-accented Indian volce]: Hello? Hello?

Me: Who's calling, please?
Him: IT Solutions. We are calling to warn you that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Me: My computer has a virus, eh?
Him: Yes, your computer has a virus.

Me: Where did you say you were calling from?
Him: IT Solutions.

Me: No, I mean, where is your company located?
Him [after I asked several times]: The United States.

Me: Where in the United States?

>>>>>>>>>Full story at link

CanadaSue · 08-06-2012, 05:15 PM

I really, really wanted to play with the dude but I'm watching Olympics.

rb. · 08-06-2012, 05:48 PM

They loved us a few weeks ago. I felt so sorry telling the man his information was incorrect, as I have a Mac.

Number was spoofed, so I couldn't look it up.

sandyd · 08-06-2012, 07:18 PM

I've played with them.

It's fun! First call, I asked over and over again "my computer has what?" Finally I said, honey, I can't help you. You keep telling me to turn on something I don't have.

CLICK!

Next guy: He said I had to turn on my computer. I said ok but then what? He said turn it on. I said it's not here. I told him I had to go to work, cuz it's on my desk and then do I ask work computer folks for do I call him?

CLICK

I'm bad.....

Any ideas for next time?

rb. · 08-06-2012, 07:36 PM

Drag it out, Sandy. Tell them, ok, turning it on, drum your fingers, talk about how slow it is. Ask them if you should unplug it from the internet. No? Oh, sorry, already did. And on, and on...

Mrs. Hermit · 08-06-2012, 08:29 PM

Tell him you will go get it, then give the phone to the 2 year old or the dog. Come back when the kid/dog gives up.

sandyd · 08-06-2012, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rb.

Drag it out, Sandy. Tell them, ok, turning it on, drum your fingers, talk about how slow it is. Ask them if you should unplug it from the internet. No? Oh, sorry, already did. And on, and on...

then say "Oops, the phone thingy fell down under the house. Hang on, while I go get the neighbor who will go get it for me"

rb. · 08-07-2012, 12:34 AM

Yup.

Feather · 08-07-2012, 01:14 AM

A friend in NY likes to mess with callers like that. He's made it seem he committed murder over the phone, asking the caller if they knew how to get blood out of carpet. A friend in WVA gives calls like that to her birds. For me, if I don't know the number or the name I don't answer, if it's important they will leave a message.