Computer Scam

[greenandmean]

Had a phone call today from Microsoft (allegedly) saying I had thousands of corrupt files on my computer and they would need access to my computer to rectify those files for me, to cut a long story short and after ringing Microsoft they confirmed they NEVER ring customers, so as suspected it was a scam. Just be aware folks.

[Dommo]

This is a very old one that seems to be getting more common again over the last 12 months. Many variations on it, one I hear the most is each entry in the event log being a virus. Obviously, it's not. General rule of thumb with computers - trust nobody!

[Mid life crisis]

I must be on a suckers list, as I get at least a call a fortnight from these turkeys. In the business I am in. I normally have a few computers or laptops hanging around at home. It has crossed my mind if I knew what software to load onto one of them, and how to do it. i.e. Key logging, Virus, Trojan or something of the like. It would be quite amusing to let them take control of one my machines that has no data on it, and infect or leave a back door to corrupt their system :d

Sadly not got the skills to do it

[Mooch]

Considering how many calls these guys must be making, the organisation must be huge. And I suppose it's that big because there are people ill informed enough to fall for what they are saying, particularly the older generations.

Like Mid Life Crisis above, I must be on the list, and get lots of calls despite me hanging up without a word once I hear the dreaded words, but just every now and then I get the urge to really string these barstewards along by pretending to be taken in, just to see what happens.

I'm told it's great fun ragging them along by pretending to be a complete IT numpty that can't do anything they ask you to do, no matter how simple - hours of fun and means they can't bother anyone else while they are tied up dealing with you. Could be good sport....

[Mid life crisis]

Like you Mooch, depending on the way the mood takes me, I sometimes have some sport with them and see how long I can string them along if I have nothing better to do

However when I am busy and I hear M S, it's just a case of "F *** and hang up

It's surprising just how tenacious and tolerant they are though with a complete IT numpty. I managed to eat a sandwich and a bag or crisps one lunchtime, while following their directions. Before telling them my system was on a network and was asking for an administrator login

:laugh:

[Mooch]

:laugh: :laugh:

Think I know what I'm goin' to do with the next one I get!

[simon besant]

Do what I do answer the phone and say

Hello fraud squad

You will be amazed how it limits the phone calls