Same thing happened to my non-computer literate friend.
However, he was in the middle of downloading OPEN OFFICE which is a shareware look-alike for MS OFFICE, and was created by the people who created the browser Modzilla Firefox. It is completely FREE office software.
The fellow on the phone (Alfred) said that the software you are downloading from the web has many many malware and junk viruses.
HOW DID HE KNOW MY FRIEND WAS JUST THEN DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE? THAT FREAKED US BOTH OUT - IS BIG BROTHER REALLY MONITORING ALL OF US ONLINE THAT CLOSELY?
When my friend refered him to me I told him we had anti-virus software.
He said that was OK for regular viruses, but not malware and junk viruses. (WHO is Zooming WHO here?)
When I questioned him, Alfred gave me the phone number 201-338-6180 and I looked up the area code online.
Alfred told me it was from London, Ontario. I saw it was from New Jersey and so didn't call him back.
That got me here.
So - who is monitoring this string of problems?
Who will report these people and get this shut down?
I saw a newspaper article from February 10, 2011, and they are still using the same darn number as then!
Someone please report this to the police.
Many people would not hesitate to allow a stranger (this guy said he was from Windows) to remote control their computer if they really believed they were from a bona fide site.
Where is the OPP when you need them or the RCMP or CSIS or the FBI or CIA or Homeland Security since it is international?
I just can't figure out how anyone can run a scam that goes on for 6 months, and no one does anything about it.
received a call today saying the same thing...they were with MS office I hung up....Because I got a phone call on Sunday saying the same thing locked my computer and told me I could buy the soft wear from them for 299.00 I said no I would get my computer guy to come over they hung up real fast.....THIS IS A BIG SCAM GOING ON
Same stuff. Two phone #s. 2043988888 and 2013386180 I live in Alberta I think they just use a directory or buy your info from places you have subscribed to
Had the same call but from a lady sounded like from India. Had her on the phone for 20 minutes. Was funny her asking how long I needed to log onto PC. Told her I was already on PC running a phone trace. Heard some loud voices and then phone went dead.