A scam ?

[derekpara]

A friend recently received a phone call from a foreign sounding gentleman claiming to represent 'Windows UK' and advising him of a potential problem with Windows and offering to rectify it. The caller had my friend's name, address, phone number etc. My friend told him to call back next day.

This sounds like a potential scam to me. What do you think ?

[daffy654]

How would someone from Windows know that your friends PC had a 'problem'?

It is a very common scam and he should hang up if they ring again.

[EcclesCake]

Well known scam....or not tat well known....def a scam though.

[abstibus]

It is most definitely a scam.

[jackthehat]

Yes, it's a scam.
Advise your friend to put the 'phone down on anyone who calls with such a story.

[factor-fiction]

It is definitely. It will cost him money and/or he'll end up with them taking over his computer.

[boxtops]

Definitely a scam. I can't remember who on here replied to the caller "that'll be difficult, I haven't got a computer" but it's a good line to remember.


Nobody can know from afar that your computer has a problem, unless your computer is networked (which it wouldn't be, at home).

[sir.prize]

Fraudsters are continuing to cold call people, claiming to be a Windows support tech and getting the users to give them remote access to their PCs in the guise of helping them update their systems – as long as the user hands over £185. This scam has actually been around for quite some time and whilst police may struggle to stop criminals from setting up business under a new name once they have been shut down, the potential victims can take control of the situation by putting the phone down.

[Stephen_G]

Microsoft would NEVER ring you and say you have a problem with your PC/Laptop. Like the others have said, advise your friend (And keep it in mind yourself) to tell them there is no PC/Laptop on the premises and politely decline any financial transactions to remedy the situation.

[Valmave]

They seem to use details from old telephone directories. When they phone here they always ask for my late Father-in-Law, who died in 2007. We took over his line, but ex-directory. They never give up. Also they have no sense of humour - no point in asking them about double glazing (windows) for instance. Fewer calls a couple of weeks ago though, same time as India had big power cuts ??

[nfn]

If you're in the UK, the police have asked that ALL calls from 'Windows' are reported to them on the non emergency number. It's a global scam and costs people £1000s

[sir.prize]

http://www.computerre...bout-virus-is-a-scam/

[trevjl]

can you give a bit more on 'police' have aseked to report it. a link maybe.

found out today my 80 year old mum has just paid £160 to these scum

[sir.prize]

trevjl - here's a link telling you to contact police

http://www.guardian.c...-virus-scam-continues

[trevjl]

thanks,

[jaberwocky]

had many foreign calls.one said, i'm not trying to sell you something.so i just said oh good p**s off.then hung up.

[Canary42]

Tell them you've got Everest* and hang up.


*other double gazing companies available.

[derekpara]

Thanks for a great set of answers.

I take it that it IS a scam then !


Cheers.

D

[beso]

Someone suggested putting the phone up to a smoke alarm and pressing Test.

[Hopkirk]

I have caller display on my phone, and if it says 'International' I don't answer.

One day I will, just to try out the smoke detector trick.