I got a call from "Austin" who said he was from the Windows help desk and they were getting "dangerous alarms" from my computer that it had "germs" and my programs were corrupted. I thought it was unusual for Microsoft to be calling, but I had recently registered software with Mircosoft and given my phone number. "Austin" offered to prove his authenticity by telling me my computer's secret security ID # that only I and Microsoft have. He then instructed me to open the DOS command prompt and type in "assoc". This displays file associations. He then told me my secret number was 31 digit number that is the same on every computer I own. It's no secret. All windows computer have the same number. I asked for his phone number and he gave 201-844-6490. I think this is a marketing ploy or worse.
Got a call from this number too. Same story as the guy above. I didn't follow directions. He took control of my computer remotely. When I said I'm calling the police he disconnected the call and turned my computer off. Filed a report with police for fraud.
I also received a call from someone named Phillip with the Windows Service Center. They had been receiving reports that I was having issues with my computer. The difference is that they charged me $399.99 for a lifetime online system so my computer woulr would never run slow, blue screen etc. thte phone # I was given was 201-844-6490. The reciept for my payment was for a Pioneer Law Firm,LLC. Beware of any phone calls from Windows or Microsoft.
Same as above. I allowed them to work on it after agreeing to a 3-yr warranty before they would fix the problems. They ran some test which showed my PC was operating @ 76%. I'm after them to show some result that it's running better than that. I just had CyberDefenders clean it 10 days earlier, install spyware/virus protection because I had emails being sent to my contact list w/out my knowledge. They said CyberDefenders installed the software but failed to fix the initial problem. CyberDefenders had the same routine (show you the problem/fix it upon condition that you buy a warranty).
Is there a Consumer Protection group that can tell me what's really going on w/my PC? I'm @ the mercy of these vendors.