I just received a phone call from an "Eric Johnson" with what sounded like an Indian accent. He also had received some notices from my computer that we were having some problems, and he wanted to take me through some steps to fix it. I told him I couldn't do it right now, but could a get a number to call him back at later. It feels like a scam to me, so I reported it to the FTC. I'd encourage you all to do the same.
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en#last
Got two calls from this number saying they were from Windows and that my computer was infected and it was putting out thousands of e-mail and would show me how to fix it. I started to follow the instructions like a dummy but in the middle of I stoped and ask them for a number that I could call them back at. Before I could dial it the called back again, this time it was the first guy supervisor saying we had got cut off. I told them I thought iit was a scam and screamed at them a while and the hung up.
Answered a call from 254300221548 (taken from my caller ID). The man started speaking very quickly, thick Indian accent, and I couldn't understand anything but for a few words... "computer", "viruses", "corrupt", "crash"....note: I have been having problems with my computer and have been in contact with some people in the last few days. He told me that he would show me where the problem is. Via my computer, click on the start button, right click on computer, click on manage, click on event scheduler, click on windows logs, click on application. I did have problems following his instruction so I (mistakenly) allowed him to log in remotely. He clicked on "create custom view" then selected boxes "warning" and "error". He showed me that there were several errors and warnings, acting like it was something fatal. He showed me that I could not remove them myself (I did wonder why removing what was reported on a log would fix anything). Then he quickly transferred me to his supervisor Victor. Once Victor was on the phone, I asked him how they got my number. He said it was sent via the reports from my computer. I asked him again what company he was with, he directed me to his website: http://windowssupport.info/. Then I asked him if I would be able to call him back. He said yes, gave me his number and said to ask for Victor. I asked him where they were located and he said Delaware. My partner called him from her cell phone and when they answered the phone, it was not answered with a business name. She had to ask who it was. Then she asked for Victor. He put me on hold and talked with her. Then he came back to me and he proceeded to tell me what I could do to fix the problem. He listed 2 options, Windows upgrade or their software. He listed 3 options ranging from $179 to $299.99. He asked me which one I wanted. I told him that I would have someone else look at my computer and buy what they recommended. He quickly said ok, good-bye. (which is not typical of a legitimate cold-call where they keep you on the phone to convince you how important it is to buy whatever from them). I did a reverse number look-up and it said the number was from L.A., CA.
I received a call today from a guy claiming to be with Windows Support saying that they have been receiving reports about problems with my computer and that he is going to help me resolve them. When I questioned him on where he was calling from he would only say Windows Support and would not provide a location. He sounded Indian. When I asked to call him back he gave me 213-550-1062 claiming it was a toll free number. Because he reacted oddly to my questions I decided to hang up. MicroSoft is great and all, but I cannot beleive they would be proactively calling users especially since I have the same kinds of errors in my log dating back to 2007. Nothing in the media either about this and I would think that MicroSoft would publish something. Not really sure what their scam is but I am confident it is a scam. BEWARE