Received a call from these idiots and I decided to put them on the hot foot. Told them we knew all about their operation and threatened them with the usual law suit even told them where they are from. This woman's name is Ellen from Credit Services in New Jersey. They had been calling previously but the person they wanted isn't at my number and I didn't care. Maybe the Attorney General's Office in each State including New Jersey should be contacted.
Yup. Another one trying to scam. Claimed to be from Microsoft Help/support center and that my computer was sending them messages that it was infected with "hacker files". lol. Tried to show me a list of .inf files and claim that they were from hackers. Also tried to convince me that any windows log errors/warning were from infected files. Couldn't speak English well (heavy Indian accent) and there was a ton of noise in the background from other scammers on the phones. Kept asking if I could clean up the "infected files" from the widows log. I answered sure. I stalled for time slowing him down (less calls per hour = fewer people scammed). Finally, he asked me what antivirus software I used, he told me it wasn't working, and that I need to uninstall it. ROFL.
This is so you have a good idea of the entire conversation process.
Thanks to my wife I didn't follow through. My computer has been acting a little funny lately, so the call seemed accurate enough (I've been wondering if my internet protection maybe has been letting things slide by lately anyway so the call seemed an answer to my concern). The woman (In a thick indian accent in a supposed call center) gave me well versed script. When my wife was suspicious and said it was a scam I fought it. Then she made me hang up.
Immediately I got a CALL BACK FROM AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT AREA CODE AND NUMBER 425-406-9010. It was this same woman again saying we got disconnected. I was now starting to doubt. I said, I know your intentions, but tell me what it is that you will be doing? (I know well enough not to give access to my computer but if they could guide me through a basic offline process of checking systems without giving them access I was ok with it.) She answered a question I didn't ask by giving me the same script all over again (not a short one). I said, yes, you've said all that, I'm just asking WHAT WILL WE BE DOING EXACTLY? And through this whole conversation she kept prodding me to sit down at my computer and turn it on for her, never actually answering my questions. She even said, "when you registered your computer that gave us in information we needed to help protect your computer." (I thought... I guess that's possible) "your router has been sending us an indication that as you log on and off of the internet you are being infected by viruses. that's why we are calling, to show you how to stop that from happening."
My last deciding factor was when I asked her name. She avoided the question, and asked me if I was the owner of the computer in question. Then again prodded, ok mr X. (What? I don't like strangers calling me and knowing my name) If you'll just sit at your computer and log in... Again I asked her name. With hesitation and stuttering she said "Jennifer". (My wife is, and I know many many east indian people and never have I met a jennifer. again my thought process was, well maybe they don't give actual names because they are personal, or too hard for us north americans to grasp).
In the end I decided to tell her I'm confident in my abilities to handle problem on my own and that if I had further problems I would call her. I asked her the best way to get ahold of her and she said they don't take incoming calls. hmmm. I said I'd just have to call windows first hand. She became very interested in ending the conversation quickly. I told her I thought this was a scam and that I'm tracing the call, and reporting her and her claims. Just for fun I called both numbers back and both gave me that number-not-functioning-busy-signal.
They call you hoping you don't know enough about all the technological advances, and their abilities. They are well versed, and even if there is question in your mind, they know how to tip the scales.
This is a very serious and dangerous scam, unfortunately an elderly friend of mine did fall for this and not only did they get into his system, they got into online banking and bills, they took money from accounts and caused a nightmare for this person. The police were brought in to help.
Do not ever respond to anybody claiming to be calling about your computer unless you have called a rep first.
Shayla said the call was regarding something with an online listing.... Told her to put us on their do not call list to which she said she can't.
I did my part by filing a complaint with the FCC at: https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspx. Please do the same.
I have been contacted by the FCC investigating telemarketers who don't follow the law before. I was told they only investigate when they get enough complaints, so file your complaints!!!! From all the posts, these guys are chronic violators.