First an Indian-accented woman called to verify that i 'have windows computers', then I was transferred to a "microsoft certified technician' who gained access to my machine via the AMMYY remote desktop sharing program, and proceeded to lead me both thru my internal performance logs and external web sites to "prove I had been affected by a koobface virus attack that had left a backdoor to my system open" to hackers. Somehow he pegged my CPU to 100%, though this was the only program running.
Next he offered to fix this and all problems for free, but he required a "security panel" to be installed, and led me to 'onestoppcsolutions.com'. Then he required that I purchase one of the plans offered by that site that start at $228. He pushed very hard, giving me his employer ID code of MS22259HQ, a name of 'Mike Smith' and a callback number of 201-338-6142. He sounded Indian with a New Zealand accent, if that's possible!
The call lasted over an hour; it took maybe thirty minutes before he even got to the security panel/sales pitch! Avast Internet Security has not picked up on any actual intrusion into my machine, but it's about to get a full in-depth scan.
I've received several calls from these people, and this is the first time they gave me call back info.
He was obviously East Indian, but he said to call this number in New Jersey and ask for John. He hung up fast after that. He wanted access to my computer, and claimed to be a windows tech.
Just received a call from an unknown name/number. When pushed he gave the same number and ask for John. I called the phone company and asked for a trace of the last call - they were unable to assist though.
This morning I received a call from this number. He said he was Alex from Windows IT and that my computer has been hacked. I told him I do not have a problem with my computer but he insisted. I am computer savy so would not fall for his line but I told him I could not understand him and could not deal with his call right now. I asked for his number and name so that I could call him back. Of course, I have no intention of ever phoning him back! I also asked where he was calling from and he said New Jersey. I suspect he is really from India or Pakistan from the accent.
I reported the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The lady I talked to said some people are receiving as many as 30 call per day from this kind of fraudsters. She said it is the number 1 complaint right now.
I am not concerned for myself (except for the inconvenience of answering the phone) but I do have concerns for older people who have little computer experience.
They're still at it! I received a call this evening....unknown name, unknown number on the caller ID. The fellow claimed to be from Windows (no such company, of course) and that they had received a report my PC was heavily infected with "extremely malicious" viruses.
This smelled heavily of SCAM, so I stopped him there and asked what company he was with.
"Microsoft." he responded.
"And what is your telephone number?" I asked.
"Why would you want that?" he replied
"So I can verify that you are who you say you are." I answered
To his credit, he didn't hang up on me but gave me the following number:
(this, by the way, is the format in which he gave it) 20-133-86-142
A reverse directory search shows the number as non-existent (but probably in New Jersey). A different search led me to this site. As everyone above says: BEWARE! BEWARE!