same deal, knew me by name and said that my computer was sending them "error messages". I asked which computer are you talking about? they put my on hold and I heard a snippet of someone coaching the caller and I said I don't know what you're talking about and they hung up but have called four times since then. I don't know how they knew me by name because I thought my phone was unlisted but who knows.
said they were from "windows computers" and claimed that there was a virus on my computer- I told them they were a fake company and I would report them, they hung up.
claimed to be calling from Microsoft. Said if I used my home PC in the last 2 weeks that I downloaded virus. What was interesting is that they asked for me by name (full name)
Just called on my cell phone - Hung up after I answered. Didn't say a word. I let out a loud scream on the home phone that would have woken the dead last time they called. I am prepared with my "XcuseBox" when they call back which will first play static then play that horrible tone that you get when you reach a disconnected phone number and then the recording "you have reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service" "If you have reached this message in error, please contact the operator", then the horrible tone again"... I got this as a stocking stuffer one year and just found it. (plays a baby crying; fire engine siren; construction noise; airplane taking off; several excuses to shorten or avoid a phone call... I put a new battery in it and have been waiting for a telemarketer to call. My other trick is having my fax machine accept the call but that isn't as convenient. If they reach a voicemail message, they will continue to call back. If you answer, and ask to be taken off the list, they call back. DNC Registry doesn't work on telemarketers that don't follow the rules - the ones that are located outside the US most likely or the ones that use robotic-callers. We had a "Tele-zapper" that disconnected a robotic-caller but my husband misplaced it after painting about 5 years ago. Telemarketers ramped up the last 2 years something fierce. The FTC should require all US Phone companies to provide each consumer the ability to block telemarketer calls at no charge since they are allowing the telemarketers access to harass the consumers and to ultimately scam the unsuspecting consumers many of which are trusting elderly consumers who believe that if they are contacted through their phone company that they can trust the caller. Those days are gone - same with products sold on the TV. My elderly Mom thinks what is sold on TV and over the phone has to be legitimate and the health products or infomercial products have all been FDA tested/approved-and all work as they say they do by the people who are the "satisfied customers" advertising the product "it really does work...for reals" from a TV diet pill add...