NEW SCAM ALERT Be Aware Folks: For those who dont know me well or are just getting to know me... I built my first computer (a kit not PC) at the age of 6 in 1978. I have been actively involved and interested in the Tech industry ever since in one way or another. I am an UberGeek. 1337 Today... I just received a phone call from a man with a heavy East Indian accent (which is to make it more believable), claiming to be from Windows. He stated that my PC had downloaded Malware and... Thats where I cut him off. I told him That is not possible. He said, Sir, your computer has downloaded a Virus. I said, No it has not! He insisted, Sir, I am from Windows and according to our records your PC just downloaded a virus #3921805. I laughed which he did not appreciate. I said, Listen -My computer has not been turned on for nearly a week so it is technically impossible for it to download a virus. He said, Sir I am from Windows and you have a virus. I said, That is absolutely not possible if the computer isnt even on. Furthermore you are not from the Microsoft Windows team as I have spoken to them many times and they identify themselves as Microsoft NOT Windows. Also I am VERY Tech saavy and if I did get a virus, I know how to remove it without any AntiVirus or AntiMalware software or Technical assistance. I understand your sales pitch, even though you havent given it yet. You are not Microsoft or Windows affiliated, and I do not need anything you are selling. I then promptly hung up the phone. Some things to be aware of to avoid this scam -which I have encountered variants of in the past... They will have up to $2000 of your money -or as much as you have -within about 3 minutes of you cooperating. They will plant viruses on your computer remotely and also leave a back door open so they will have 100% access and control of your PC ANYTIME they want. They can even power it on remotely. I am aware of people who have hung up on these types of scams only to have them start yelling at you through your computer -whether it is by you or not. Whether you left it turned on or not. They will start demanding payment through your PC speakers and you will not be able to stop them without either paying them which still leaves their back door -or 2, by taking your computer to the local Tech Shop. Microsoft identifies themselves as Microsoft 100% of the time -regardless of division with one exception : Xbox. Windows calls themselves Microsoft -NOT Windows. The scammers will attempt to convince you that you downloaded a virus and they will remove it for you for only $34.99 (or some other small fee). As soon as they have ANY of your personal info -you are screwed -do not give them ANYTHING. Not your name -even if they know it. Not a card or checking acct #. Not your SSN#. And please God -NO INFO off of tour PC. In fact if your computer is on -save what you were working on and shut it off immediately. As with most scams heres the most basic and general rule of thumb that 90% of you will say, I know that. And yet when the situation arises you will do it anyway -proving you didnt know that at all... If you did not initiate contact with them -you do NOT need to talk to them. Microsoft will NEVER EVER call you unless you have called them first. Neither will Amazon, Google or any other major corporation. If you did not initiate contact 9 times out of 10 it is not legitimate. I can not tell you how many people I have seen similar scams pulled on. Cops, teachers, doctors, attorneys... Everyone (except 1337) is susceptable. Please do not fall into this trap. Stay awake. Stay aware. Stay safe. In closing if you dont know what 1337 -it is essentially code that represents The Elite of Geekdom. Have a Great Day and Evening and... God Bless YOU every single one.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 23:27:33 +0000