Genealogy Chat

I have just had a call from someone who purported to be from Windows. He said they had had an error message from my computer, that it was running slowly and my hard drive was at risk.

I was unhappy about it, because I didn't think Windows had my telephone number? It isn't running slowly and my security package hasn't reported anything amiss. He wanted me to sit at the computer and do something or other, but I told him I was too busy and didn't have time.

Does this sound like a genuine problem, or was he trying to get details from me do you think?

A scam, bet my life on it. Just rang you on the off-chance - most people have Windows after all! Damn cheek.
Jan

It sounds like a scam Christine.

Google "windows phone scam" and it pops up with a load of hits, all about the same problem and what they are trying to get out of you.

Scary stuff! Glad you had the common sense to say you where busy and put the phone down. Hate to think how many people have been caught out by this.

http://www.computerhq.co.uk/content/warning-fake-tech-support-call-scam-windows-xp-service-provider

Mhairi

I was reading about this in one of the computer magazines at the weekend. It was the top of the list for one of the oldest tricks in the book.

After a vague description of some sort of fault they direct you to log onto a site which allows them to initiate remote access direct to your computer. They then proceed to cause havoc, create problems, install malicious software and persuade you to part with money to have it fixed. If you refuse to pay then at best you have to spent time cleaning your computer of nasties, at worst, find it is trashed or you have had your security compromised.

Treat like any other un-solicited call - hang up.

Thank you both for the reassurance! Have Googled etc as you said, and am very relieved I cut the call short! I can see this being a big worry for some people, who like me are not knowlegable enough to know better.

Thank you IGP too. This is definitely the best place for problem solving!

I wonder if this explains an odd call I had last week ?

The caller said he was from "the maintainence department" regarding the "problem I had with the computer in my home"

I said I had no problem with the computer in my home and hung up assuming it to be a wrong number.

We have had similar calls twice, both times from Indian sounding people. Both time OH told them, if there is a problem he will fix it himself thank you.

The first call I took and flummoxed him, firstly I couldn't hear him (I am hard of hearing), and made him repeat himself three times. Then he said, there is a problem with your computer to which I asked which one? he ermed and aahed then OH took over and said he'd fix it!

Yes Ann-this chap sounded Indian ish too.

When I said I had no problem he replied " OK goodbye " all very polite !!

Yes, mine was an Indian-sounding person. Perhaps its just one person doing it all?