Politics1 min ago
Warning About Phone Calls From Computer Technical Support
20 Answers
This is a warning if any of you get a call from someone saying they are from "computer support" or "technical support" regarding your computer.
It may also be useful to pass this information on to any friends or relatives who use computers on a regular basis, particularly vulnerable elderly people.
I know these types of calls have been mentioned on here before, but it never hurts to remind people.
Just this morning, Saturday 7th December at 9:30am, I was "cold called" by someone saying they were "Microsoft Technical Support" phoning up about my "Windows computer". THESE CALLS ARE A SCAM.
The words used by these callers can vary, but basically they will say they have been monitoring your computer and it has severe errors (or a virus) that needs fixing. THIS IS A LIE.
They will often offer to fix these problem for a fee, and ask you to give them your credit card details. NEVER GIVE A COLD CALLER YOUR CREDIT CARD DETAILS.
They may also ask to install some software on your computer so they can see what is going on. Genuine support companies like Dell do sometimes install software on your PC to see what is going on.
However the software these people install may be used to steal information on your PC, or to install a "keylogger" which will capture all your keyboard strokes so they can steal your userids and passwords, or online banking information.
NEVER LET ANYONE (except for official support groups) INSTALL SOFTWARE ON YOUR PC.
NEVER GO TO ANY WEB SITES THEY ASK YOU TO VISIT.
If you get this type of call then just hang up.
DONT talk to them, DONT give them any personal information, DONT give them information about the computer you are using, DONT give them details of your userids and passwords, DONT give them your credit card details.
THESE PEOPLE ARE CRIMINALS. TREAT THEM AS SUCH.
It may also be useful to pass this information on to any friends or relatives who use computers on a regular basis, particularly vulnerable elderly people.
I know these types of calls have been mentioned on here before, but it never hurts to remind people.
Just this morning, Saturday 7th December at 9:30am, I was "cold called" by someone saying they were "Microsoft Technical Support" phoning up about my "Windows computer". THESE CALLS ARE A SCAM.
The words used by these callers can vary, but basically they will say they have been monitoring your computer and it has severe errors (or a virus) that needs fixing. THIS IS A LIE.
They will often offer to fix these problem for a fee, and ask you to give them your credit card details. NEVER GIVE A COLD CALLER YOUR CREDIT CARD DETAILS.
They may also ask to install some software on your computer so they can see what is going on. Genuine support companies like Dell do sometimes install software on your PC to see what is going on.
However the software these people install may be used to steal information on your PC, or to install a "keylogger" which will capture all your keyboard strokes so they can steal your userids and passwords, or online banking information.
NEVER LET ANYONE (except for official support groups) INSTALL SOFTWARE ON YOUR PC.
NEVER GO TO ANY WEB SITES THEY ASK YOU TO VISIT.
If you get this type of call then just hang up.
DONT talk to them, DONT give them any personal information, DONT give them information about the computer you are using, DONT give them details of your userids and passwords, DONT give them your credit card details.
THESE PEOPLE ARE CRIMINALS. TREAT THEM AS SUCH.
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by VHG. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.but vhg, it's fun to bait them - if they tell you they've been monitoring your computer, ask them "which one?" they will respond vaguely but you must insist they identify which of your 3 they've been monitoring. if they guess, tell them that particular machine is running Linux and invite them to guess again. the scope for tying them in knots is immense.....
>>>but vhg, it's fun to bait them
For people who are technically aware it may be fun to bait them.
For any elderly person (or even young person) who does not quite understand how these computers work it may be they think it is a genuine call.
I have seen and read of many people who have been conned out of hundreds of pounds by these people.
My update is aimed at non-technical people, not people who know the difference between a Windows PC, a Mac, and Linux, I assume they will know these calls are a con.
For people who are technically aware it may be fun to bait them.
For any elderly person (or even young person) who does not quite understand how these computers work it may be they think it is a genuine call.
I have seen and read of many people who have been conned out of hundreds of pounds by these people.
My update is aimed at non-technical people, not people who know the difference between a Windows PC, a Mac, and Linux, I assume they will know these calls are a con.
-- answer removed --
I have read a lot about Ratter in AB , even before I became a member and was just 'looking-in'.
I think he's a great guy who recently has moved to North Wales and, although now resident in a somewhat remote location, he does have Internet connection. I think he has a great sense of humour and just plays along stupid telephone callers....as perhaps we all should.
I think he's a great guy who recently has moved to North Wales and, although now resident in a somewhat remote location, he does have Internet connection. I think he has a great sense of humour and just plays along stupid telephone callers....as perhaps we all should.