Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Had a intersting phone call from a lady from Microsoft support advising my PC may have exploits that my Anti Virus cannot decect, this is effecting people in Accrington and they can fix it for me.

Now I love this type of call and did my usual wind up procedure, after telling her I was a computer programmer for 20 years they decided to hang up on me.

This is just a warning to others as she wanted me to log on to my pc and guide me through the fix.

Do not do this. Not sure what the scam is but as she clearly mentioned Accrington others may get this call.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I had a similar call from "Microsoft support" and asked her to slowly tell me the details of the fix so that I could go through it in my own time.
After I explained that I had passed all my computer and electronics exams years ago and keep up to date with the latest technology she thanked me for my time and went swiftly off to phone some other mug.
Still it's more plausible than the Nigerian Chiefs daughter who wanted to give me a share of the many millions of pounds she had but needed my bank details so she could deposit it there.
.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Me too, I've had the same call, they give themselves away slightly when thy can hardly speak English:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

ringing from newcastle then are they ?

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Got another one today, a guy with a lovely Indian Accent rang about 3-30 this aft, he just said from our records your having some financial problems which we can sort out for you, jaysay goes into rant mod,now which F-ing records would they be you lying ***** barsteward, I've never had financial problems in my life, PHONE GOES DEAD:rolleyes:

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Thank you Mr D, great advise to all !!!:)

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Be advised there is a scam going round whereby someone will phone up saying you have error messages on your computer and offering to fix it over the phone. Someone just phoned me. Trouble is I don't have a home computer! I was told to eff off when I told them. They also accused me of wasting their time!

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I had this phone call this morning.......from India...you could tell it was India, there was an echo on the line.
I let her go through her spiel and then said could you repeat that please I am a bit on the deaf side....I let her go through it all again and then told her that she must have got me mixed up with some other mug she was trying to scam...then I put the phone down.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

They don't get chance with me Michael I tell um to eff off first:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Ya I had a call from India too Margaret (mind you I do most days), in fact I feel hurt and neglected if they don't ring, I've turned it into a sport now, how long I can string um along before they suss I'm taking the pee 23 minutes is the best so far:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Yes, John it is indeed a sport....its official name is "call-caller baiting"

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Ya good init:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Best of it is John....she rang me back to assure me it wasn't a scam....I told her it didn't matter....I still hadn't got a computer.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

My mother who is 85 gets phone calls from India asking about her computer ( which she hasn't got) and she tells them to ''go away''

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

you all need to register on the tps and then you won't get the calls (mobile too)
TPS

on the same website you can do mail as well

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I am registered with the Telephone Preference Service, but unfortunately it does not block calls from overseas.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I couldn't swear back at them, John, because I was sat next to my mum! Next time I will take the phone into another room, then I can let rip!

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Sorry harwood red, makes no difference, TPS only works on companies within the UK, can't do a darn thing about calls coming from abroad and I've talked to BT about this, there are certain measures you can do, I've now gone ex-directory which will help some what when the new edition comes out

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

The best one I have heard lately was one call made to my other half, was from an organisation called Dignity, which pre arranged funerals, this woman rang Joan last week and went through the spiel, which intimated she had filled in a survey, she said I haven't filled in any service, to which the woman replied well you must have done I've got your details, with just a little smile Joan said well if I did fill in a form of any sort I'm hardly likely to spell my name wrong, my name is Mrs BOWN, not Mrs BROWN, phone goes dead:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

And don't forget, Harwood Red, we are talking about scam phone calls. The crooks won't bother about the TPS service before they call. If they did, they would be pretty conscientious crooks!

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

had a word with them on this and also BT they told me it is virtually impossible to stop international,withheld,and out of area calls,and advise just to listen and if there is a pause then more than likley it is a cold call centre call form out of this country.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

We get an average of 2 per week. Always with "Out of Area" or "Number Witheld". I usually let them chunter on for a little while and then tell them that I don't have a computer and advise them to go away in my best basic Anglo Saxon

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I've been getting calls from a company called Moneymatters, I don't know what they want as I don't let them get that far into it. I asked where they were calling from and the person on the other end said Philippines. I explained I was ex-directory and registered with the T.P.S. ( I know it doesn't count for externals) and they said they would remove my number from the list, I then got a call the day after. I haven't had a call in a week, so perhaps the fact they don't get to go into the sales pitch has put them off. I don't think so for a minute but heres hoping.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I do pretty much the same.......I feign a bit of deafness and get them to repeat their spiel two or three times(I'm not paying for the call - let them worry)....then I ask them if they think an old woman of 85 would know what to do with a computer..click and they are gone. I don't need to resort to the anglo saxon terminology.
(and before any of you wags ask - NO......I'm not 85)

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Ya Barrie its surprising just how good my Anglo Saxon has become since these clowns have decided to keep annoying me. I got one with a difference last week it was one about PPI firm, it started, this is an automated call, so I listened to the spiel then they gave options, press 1 if you would like to speak to an advisor or 9 if you wish to unsubscribe (hadn't subscribed in the first place) I pressed 1:Dhow can I help you, well you can stop annoying me by keep phoning and emailing me for a start, the language I used was defo Anglo Saxon though:rolleyes:

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

well this phone call wouldn't work on me because

1) I don't use antivirus
2) I use Linux

:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

You don't use Windows at all for anything?

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Apologise for posting a phone number, I should have read the rules.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Caught me out there. Keep forgetting as I never see it. Yeah use 7 to run xbmc on my htpc. But this is only very recent. Careful use don't need to worry much about virus. But up recently just linux for everyday use.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I got a phone call from the windows technical department this morning Restless, I took your route, I USE LINUX, this is the Linux department was the reply, oh is it, when did they amalgamated then, line goes dead :D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I found this when browsing

trueCall - your nuisance call blocker

It is expensive but may be the answer if your call problem is life disruptive.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Its £99.99 and I won't get the fun I have laughing at them

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Ya I agree. just depending on how I'm feeling, I can play imaginary fishing, you hook um up let um think they've fooled you, then keep playing um till you've had enough, they're quite gullible really:D but a hundred squidly to get shut is a bit pricey

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

That takes all the fun out of baiting them, I'm a bit peeved they've never rung me.

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They don't bother with steam run computers Retlaw:p:p:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

They aint rung me either? Perhaps it depends were yeh been on the web? n those who been on Porn sites may panic when told they got nasties on computer.Which makes you n i Retlaw unlikely to get em!:hehetable

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I'll have you know mine now run on gas, I might even go for this new fangled electrickery next year.:tongueout

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Be careful when your plugging in:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Got one of these call's yesterday

Them

"I am phoning on behalf of Microsoft we have information your pc has an infection and we would like to help you clear this problem".

Me
"ok i am on my laptop now"

Them
"ok well first open internet explorer"

Me

"i dont have internet explorer"

Them

"what browser are you using?"

Me

"Safari"

Them
"what pc are you using?"

Me
" its a Mac pro"

Them

"click" :D:p

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Oh, I will use that one...and the linux one too.......I usually tell them I don't have a computer,sometimes I tell them I am the Coroners Officer - investigating a suspicious death - they usually make a very sharp exit with that one.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I don't have a computer, and when I told them, I was sworn at and accused of wasting their time. Mind you, I did string them along for ten minutes before I revealed all!

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

That was very very naughty Michael, not that you strung them along, but that you only had on the hook for ten minutes:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I do hope you made it clear to them it was only to keep the balance, as they'd been wasting your time. :)

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

A friend of mine got a phone call to say his computer was faulty. After 10 mins or so on the phone he said " It can't be faulty I haven't unpacked it yet it is still in the box " . End of conversation.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

ooh, that is another one I can use :D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

@ MargaretR: yeah, heard about that app, too. Have you tried it? I'm not sure but I'm skeptical.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Thanks for the heads up! I got a call like that, too. The guy had exactly the same script like there was a virus in my computer and it's gonna crash my system down. Hmmppfff! Like I was born yesterday.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

They were trying to tell me I was entitled to £200 grant for loft insulation, don't think they found it funny when I said oh goody goody loft insulation in a ground floor flat, they just hung up on me, twice:rolleyes:

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I saw the pitch for investment on Dragons_Den.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Yes, I saw that too....I did consider buying one, but they are just a bit on the expensive side........I will wait until they come down in price.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Got another call from our Indian friends this aft, for a change he spoke very good English, which was fine until he said I think your having trouble with your computer, the second word was off

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Huddy Blell I should think so, undered quid fur thad, cheapur tu led calls gu to thanserin machine, as soon us thad kicks in theyul ang up.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I can't do that Retlaw.....My ma is dependent on me and if the phone goes I pick it up in case it is her(or worse) about her:(.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I've been feeling quite left out of all this fun, upset they never rang me.
At last, I've finally had two calls in two weeks!
This morning-'Hello, is that Mr Booth?'
'Yes, who's that?'
'My name is Harry, calling you from ??? company about your Microsoft computer'. His accent was so heavily Indian I could hardly follow him so I don't think his name was Harry.
'Who said I had a computer?'
'You have a Microsoft computer'.
'I'll ask you again, who told you I have a computer?.
Phone went dead.
I'm sorry now I didn't play him along, next time I'll have fun like Neil does.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Hands up all those who have a Microsoft computer, I have a Toshiba and have other makes in the past but never seen a Microsoft computer advertised.

Even Microsoft store doesn't sell them but they do sell a lot of other makes.
So when the man says you have a Microsoft computer tell him "yes I am unique".

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

That's what gets me, Gremlin. They're so unprofessional, surely no one falls for a scam so badly done.
And yet, it must work sometimes or they wouldn't keep trying.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

You wouldn't think so, unless (like me) you've quite legitimately asked someone which browser they use and their response is "google"...

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Gordon you keep seeing these programs on the telly where people have been scammed by letter by phone even by cold calling at the front door, yet some people are still gullible, and believe me there are quite a lot who are intelligent people with responsible jobs. I'm a great believer in the saying "if it looks to good to be true, it probably is"

Microsoft don't make computers, they make the operating system that runs a computer.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Exactly, think thats the point Gremlin was making along with everybody else;)

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I would say. "let me just shut down linux and boot up windows"

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I will use that one Rob....it is a good 'un.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

so what browser do you use. Microsoft? hahahaa

Oh I use google chrome myself. But have to use firefox for ebay.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

haha yep. dual booting :)

I know a guy online that has 6-8 diff operating systems on his bootloader. Even a hackintosh (hacked version of mac)

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Why Firefox for Ebay Restless:confused:

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

I forgot Google have a browser... :) I just call it Chrome.

I was actually referring to the number of people who reply with their search page when asked about their browser.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Yeah I knew you was referring to that.
I was just joking as I knew already you was a Linux user... right?? :)



Since you asked....

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Oh I see:D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Got one last night from a chap with a nice English accent,:eek: good evening Mr Farrer, I wonder if your aware that you've been awarded a government grant to have your loft and walls insulated. Oh how wonderful I'm really looking forward to this, should make the Guinness book of records. Whys that Mr Farrer, well it will be the first time in history that anybody has had the loft in a ground floor flat insulated. click:rolleyes::D

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Got a bit of everything - XP, Vista, 7, Ubuntu, Debian, Android and IOS (although the last one doesn't really count).

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

You have iphone or ipad?

On ubuntu do you use unity or gnome shell?

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Both - or rather, my wife does - that's why IOS doesn't really count.

Both - I don't like Unity, though.

Considering a change to Mint rather than backdating Ubuntu...

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

oh I would try that on virtualbox before you bother to install it.

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Planning to do it with a live CD

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

ah good idea, Mint is ok, but too much attempt to look like windows. Trying mate or cinnamon flavour?

Re: Scam Phone Call - PC Problem Warning
 

Only trying it because it has been declared the 2012 best distro by Linux Format magazine. I'm not really a Linux user, I just use whatever is needed to get the job done: Mostly Windows is "good enough" but sometimes it's easier in Linux.

I think looking like Windows is not necessarily a bad thing - it can get many typical users to move across to a different o/s - especially as Windows 8 is supposedly going to be so different, you might find more people migrating just to stuck with a look they are comfortable with.