Good morning, I just want to share with you all the possible scam that I have encountered this morning. I had a telephone call from what sounded like an Indian call centre, the lady claimed to be from Windows (computer company) she went on to tell me that she believed my computer was under theat as she could see “icons” “messages” and “warnings” on HER system that related to MY computer. My computer was not on at the time nor was my iPad, or any other Internet system. She said " what I need you to do now madman is turn on your computer and we will fix the problem" she sounded anxious, and implied I needed to do this imidetly I asked her to verify who she was and all she could say was " I am from windows" I believe this to be a scam, for one I don’t have any cover or insurance with Windows. I think that had I turned on my computer and allowed her the remote access she was requesting she may have been able to have access to private information, browsing history, on line banking details…and you lot of course! I may be wrong she did not sound legitimate, and was unable to verify herself to my satisfaction, so I told her that I felt she was trying to commit fraud and that I did not trust her. I ended the call. Please be aware. Best wish to you all. Ppx
Yes it is a scam. My friend got that call and her hubby works for windows security so he tied them up in knots with his questions and they hung up lol. The wife of one of my husbands work mates fell for it and told them everything they asked!!! Her computer was trashed and bank account emptied. It is definitely a scam, thanks for bringing it up polly Xx
You will find you iPad is “more secure” as are most non windows products It is a Trojan and it would have been picked up from a base unit or laptop that uses windows. I recommend using an anti virus AVG is free and good. I have used it for 6/7 years on my pcs, I use an iPad and iPhone. A quick way to check if a site is who it says and you are not being redirected is to right click the URL in the drop down goto properties and the name of the site is there. Always use a secure site for transactions look for https: in the address bar, secure sie also a locked padlock in address bar. Mike
[quote=“Clare007”]
I have heard about this before from friends on facbook they have had the same but tey have been asked for card details as it was going to cost them to do the work
x
[/quote] Thanks Clare. There are some realy bad people out there aren’t there? I feel if we all share our fraud attempts we can make others aware and reduce the risk of further victims. Ppx
If hey say they from windows, tell them you use a mac-job done
[quote=“nikkinakkinoo”] Yes it is a scam. My friend got that call and her hubby works for windows security so he tied them up in knots with his questions and they hung up lol. The wife of one of my husbands work mates fell for it and told them everything they asked!!! Her computer was trashed and bank account emptied. It is definitely a scam, thanks for bringing it up polly Xx [/quote] OMG,! I’m sorry that your friend was a victim of this type of fraud, it is so easy to be dupeted by these people, espessaily when your busy as I was at the time…cleaning the loo. More people that share their experience the better, we may never stop it but at least we can try and prevent many more victims. Makes me so cross! Ppx
[quote=“Mikep”] You will find you iPad is “more secure” as are most non windows products It is a Trojan and it would have been picked up from a base unit or laptop that uses windows. I recommend using an anti virus AVG is free and good. I have used it for 6/7 years on my pcs, I use an iPad and iPhone. A quick way to check if a site is who it says and you are not being redirected is to right click the URL in the drop down goto properties and the name of the site is there. Always use a secure site for transactions look for https: in the address bar, secure sie also a locked padlock in address bar. Mike [/quote] Thanks for that Mike, I am a bit of a techno phobe, I have Macavie I think it’s called, a neighbour recommended it and put it on my main PC, it was free. There are some real horrid people out there glad I gave her what for! Ppx
Definately a scam, my husband fell for it but thankfully didnt give them any bank details as he realised after a while, but he did let them have remote access for a while but our accounts all seem secure and this was a few months ago.
Cathy
Had the same scam tried on us 4 or 5 times over a fortnight. Never got past my kids or my skepticism and the wife doesnt know how to turn it on anyway. They ring off as soon as you start probing. There is information about this scam on a scam busting site somewhere. They are trying to gain remote control of your computer so they can monitor what you are doing and install things like password grabbing software which could enable them to spend on your account.
Oh by the way they knew my name when they called. How I dont know, but it gives them a slight shred of plausibility.
PS Pollyp, didnt you mind them addressing you as ‘madman’?
[quote=“Mikep”] If hey say they from windows, tell them you use a mac-job done [/quote] Nice one! I particulary enjoy asking telesales people who ring back again after being told I’m not interested to hold on while I get a pen, and then just leave them hanging. I do wonder how long they wait before hanging up but it seems to work. Shame I can’t do this for the automated voice message PPP claim calls we keep getting. Any ideas anyone? Cx
If you are bothered about cold calls on the phone subscribe to the telephone preference service. You can also do for mail Mike
Hi mrbowe They can buy databases. The electoral register is for sale, the database from finance, catalogue…etc companies are also for sale Mike
Sorry for the name mrbowen calls 3-4 times per week are done by power dialler and sometimes the same company will act for a few. You can also tell the agent to remove you from the list, like the stop for spam Mike
[quote=“davidc”]
I get these phone calls 3 or 4 times per week. I had the computer one, I told the foreign woman I was a Microsoft certified technician and could fix any problems myself. But she wouldn’t have it and got threatening saying she would withdraw my windows licence, I said “go on then” and hung up.
Another one was a foreign accident investagator saying a car licenced to my address had been involved in a crash and insurance claim. I asked the guy who he was and where his business was and he wanted to get off the topic as soon as possible. So I put the phone down.
I find the best way to deal with them is ask them straight away for their business address and landline number so you can verify them, they always hang up.
[/quote] Thanks David, These people are bullies aren’t they? I get a least 3 text msgs a day about an accident or injury, but not a call. Plenty of calls and text about PPI, one woman who tried her patter about PPI just would not believe I did not have a credit card or lone, she just kept saying " what! You’ve NEVER had a lone or credit card" I said no, don’t need to I am rich! ( lie of course but it stut her up" Ppx
[quote=“Chelsea Girl”]
Definately a scam, my husband fell for it but thankfully didnt give them any bank details as he realised after a while, but he did let them have remote access for a while but our accounts all seem secure and this was a few months ago.
Cathy
[/quote] Thanks Cathy, Spooky how these fraudulent bullies get access to your computer from where ever they are! I’m glad that your accounts are safe. I think it is important to share this sort of scam to prevent more victims. Ppx
[quote=“mrbobowen”]
Had the same scam tried on us 4 or 5 times over a fortnight. Never got past my kids or my skepticism and the wife doesnt know how to turn it on anyway. They ring off as soon as you start probing. There is information about this scam on a scam busting site somewhere. They are trying to gain remote control of your computer so they can monitor what you are doing and install things like password grabbing software which could enable them to spend on your account.
[/quote] Thanks mrbobowen Wish my teenage boy had answered the phone, they wouldn’t understand the grunts! I will look for the website you mention. I know what you mean if they use your name makes them much more credible. They lady who called me her English was poor, she did annoy me calling me madman, but been called worse I suppose. Ppx
[quote=“ClaireWWW”] [quote=Mikep]If hey say they from windows, tell them you use a mac-job done [/quote] Nice one! I particulary enjoy asking telesales people who ring back again after being told I’m not interested to hold on while I get a pen, and then just leave them hanging. I do wonder how long they wait before hanging up but it seems to work. Shame I can’t do this for the automated voice message PPP claim calls we keep getting. Any ideas anyone? Cx[/quote] Hi Clare I get loads about PPI, I tell them I have never had loans or a credit card as I am rich (wish I was! ) don’t know what you can do about the automated ones tho, maybe do the same, keep them on the line as they will probely still be charged for the call. I get at least 3 texts a day too. Ppx
The other type of unsolicited call that annoys me is those encouraging an insurance claim if you’ve had an accident. It seems that so many exaggerated, trivial or bogus claims are being settled because of the frightening cost of mounting a legal defence and that’s a sick business. I just wish someone could organise a class action against these companies encouraging dubious claims for causing everybody’s insurance to go through the roof.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/stop-spam-texts This is not a junk link. It tells you how to get rid of texts, calls. Mike