Mister M Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 About 20 minutes ago I have received a telephone call on my mobile phone (caller ID was blocked) from someone purporting to be from Microsoft Windows team. At first I was taken in and followed their instructions. I then pointed out that I had Anti Virus software, and the person said that these 'trojans' that are going around are immune to anti virus software, and potentially much more serious. They needed to gain remote access to my computer to 'fix the problem'. I smelt a rat. I immediately rang off. I then Googled 'Would someone from Microsoft ever call me?' No they wouldn't. IT IS A SCAM I have linked an article from PC Advisor magazine about the scam: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/security/microsoft-phone-scam-dont-be-victim-tech-support-call-3378798/ I like to think I'm quite savvy, but initially I was taken in by them. Don't be fooled. By giving them remote access to your computer they can install 'malware', and heaven knows what else. Moderators, so that as many people can see this as possible, please keep in 'General Discussions' thread, as I don't want others to fall for con artists. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melthebell Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 this is a really old scam, and well documented, nobody should be still taken in by it anymore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister M Posted March 30, 2017 Author Share Posted March 30, 2017 this is a really old scam, and well documented, nobody should be still taken in by it anymore I hadn't heard about it until now.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lectrolove Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 There's a variation on this where they say they're calling "from the world wide web". Wherever that might be... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgksheff Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 I hadn't heard about it until now.... Perhaps you should reconsider your "savvy" status. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillybear Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 First thing to remember about 90% of these things is "how would they have my phone number?". You ever given your phone number to Microsoft, or an anti-virus company etc.. Of course not, they usually only want an email address if you contact them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickey finn Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 I hadn't heard about it until now.... Along with thousands and thousands who haven't heard about it yet, at least you got away without any trouble. this is a really old scam, and well documented, nobody should be still taken in by it anymore But they still are, and one of the reasons is this.... About 20 minutes ago I have received a telephone call on my mobile phone (caller ID was blocked) from someone purporting to be from Microsoft Windows team. At first I was taken in and followed their instructions. I then pointed out that I had Anti Virus software, and the person said that these 'trojans' that are going around are immune to anti virus software, and potentially much more serious. They needed to gain remote access to my computer to 'fix the problem'. I smelt a rat. I immediately rang off. I then Googled 'Would someone from Microsoft ever call me?' No they wouldn't. IT IS A SCAM I have linked an article from PC Advisor magazine about the scam: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/security/microsoft-phone-scam-dont-be-victim-tech-support-call-3378798/ I like to think I'm quite savvy, but initially I was taken in by them. Don't be fooled. By giving them remote access to your computer they can install 'malware', and heaven knows what else. Moderators, so that as many people can see this as possible, please keep in 'General Discussions' thread, as I don't want others to fall for con artists. Thanks. Moderators hide it away in the tech section where most people never venture. Perhaps you should reconsider your "savvy" status. Awww cutey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swarfendor437 Posted April 1, 2017 Share Posted April 1, 2017 Perhaps SF should consider a new section of the forum: 'The Real Hustle: Take 2' - then scam phone calls, bogus cold callers, and other nefarious acts can be covered in one convenient place with subsections on: Computer Scams; Real World scams; bogus trades people etc. They could even have a 'Fake Sheffield' section! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 If you treat any phone call as suspicious you won't go far wrong will you. No tech company is ever likely to phone you, so that's Microsoft, google, McCafee and any other you can care to name. Nor is HMRC. Your bank is a possibility, but always call them back on a number you look up yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melthebell Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 Perhaps SF should consider a new section of the forum: 'The Real Hustle: Take 2' - then scam phone calls, bogus cold callers, and other nefarious acts can be covered in one convenient place with subsections on: Computer Scams; Real World scams; bogus trades people etc. They could even have a 'Fake Sheffield' section! they do, its the search funtion when you type microsoft scam in http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/search.php?searchid=32550897 this one from 2013 says "still going on" http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1257172&highlight=microsoft+scam so it was known waaaaaaaaaaaaay before then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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