received call from 209 782 8580..saying from Microsoft and they detected problems with my computer. He hardly spoke English and said I would call back after dinner. FORTUNATELY, i looked this no. up and see all that is written about it and apparently it is a SCAM, youch !
Caller identified himself as "Jerry" id# MS023 from Windows Support Team. Wanted me to turn on my computer while he was on the phone so he could "help" me overcome some kind of severe "errors" my computer was sending to their center. I asked if he was with Microsoft in Redmond and he answered "yes". I told him a was making breakfast but I would call him back if he left me a phone number - which he did- this one and he said to ask for "Jerry" id# MS023 (Microsoft ID?) I don't believe Microsoft calls Windows customers about problems. You have to contact them according to the genuine Microsoft rep that I spoke with.
I am sure this is some kind of scam for them to gain access to your computer-infect it-then try to charge you a fee to "clean up the infection". Recommend you don't do anything with them. If you really have a problem contact Microsoft directly.
received call from 209 782 8580..saying from Microsoft and they detected problems with my computer. He hardly spoke English and said I would call back after dinner. FORTUNATELY, i looked this no. up and see all that is written about it and apparently it is a SCAM, youch !
Guys, i got this call awhile and actually fell for it. I thought it was for real and they got $200 from me. And now my computer goes black when i try to log into my account. What should I do other than never return their calls?
Since the scammers accessed the computer, they probably did one or more of the following:
• Disabled the anti-virus software
• Added nasty malware to the computer
• Copied the Contact List (so they can spam/email your soon-to-be ex-friends)
• Copied any financial data or passwords they could find
• Compromised your ID
• "Zombied" the computer, so it would respond to THEIR commands sent via internet
• Deleted some important files
• Asked for money to repair the damage they caused
What can you do immediately after such an attack?
1. Pull the cables on the computer, or otherwise disable it, so it cannot access the internet.
2. Change ALL passwords stored on the computer.
3. Run FULL malware scans on the computer, in "SAFE" mode!
4. Change the passwords again, particularly if the malware scans showed anything.
5. Inform your bank and credit card companies.
6. Sign up for credit monitoring, and check the status frequently
7. You may have to bring the computer to a local repair shop, and tell them the story.
8. Tell friends what happened, so they can be aware of strange emails from you.
9. Connect to the internet only AFTER all the above have been done.
10. Change the passwords on all online accounts. Even better - access a "safe", uninfected computer, and chance your online account passwords RIGHT NOW.
NOTE:
If your computer set a "Restore Point" while it was infected, any "System Restore" you make will re-infect your computer. Suggest you delete any potentially infected restore points and avoid setting such restore points until after your computer has been thoroughly cleaned!
You fell for one scam, and might be susceptible to others mentioned on this site:
http://phonehelp.2truth.com/facts_rev.html
Read that info to educate and help protect yourself!
Honest computer companies do NOT cold-call people, or cause popups from websites to tell them their computers need fixing!
Some scammers even have websites, and falsely advertise they are associated with popular software packages or computer companies; so do NOT believe a "we will fix your computer remotely" site, and allow them access to your computer!
Read the info at these links.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Cold-Call-Tech ... on-150170.shtml
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
Lesson:
If your computer needs fixing, bring it to a local repair shop
Remember to return here, to 800notes.com, after you look at any of the information at the above sites, either to post more information, or to let us know you avoided the scam or fixed the computer correctly.