Another nasty scam doing the rounds in recent months/(years?) is an unsolicited phone call from someone saying they are calling from Microsoft’s Service Centre or IT Support.
They will say something along the lines of they have detected a problem with your PC – something that you will not be aware of yourself. They will want a payment by dredit card to help you download and install some software onto your PC to fix the problem.
Of course they are not calling from Microsoft at all but are (obviously) criminals intent on stealing money via your credit card (and installing something nasty on your PC that you didn’t actually have in the first place).
Just to confirm: Microsoft will never call you out of the blue to help you fix your PC!
Do NOT proceed with anything if you get such a call. Just hang up and ignore it.
Here is Microsoft’s statement on the scam:
Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer
In this scam cybercriminals call you and claim to be from Microsoft Tech Support. They offer to help solve your computer problems. Once the crooks have gained your trust, they attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malicious software including viruses and spyware.
Although law enforcement can trace phone numbers, perpetrators often use pay phones, disposable cellular phones, or stolen cellular phone numbers. It’s better to avoid being conned rather than try to repair the damage afterwards.
Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Do not provide any personal information
If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Tech Support, hang up. We do not make these kinds of calls.
Link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx
I almost got caught a couple of months ago with someone giving their name as Microsoft Service centre and then again today they came on.
I think it is about time someone did something about this SCUM and as they are using your good name is it not possible for your international contacts to trace these organisations and have them brought to bear. It would appear that the telephone calls are coming from Asia I think.
Could you please confirm receipt of this email with any updates that you may have.Its more than annoying to say the least
Thanks in advance
Tom Davidson
By: Tom Davidson on March 4, 2013
at 11:40 am