They called my mother from a private line - which she now knows not to answer - to ply $279.00 out of her. In the most technical sense they might be legal - depending on how many lawyers they have. However, it was completely a manipulative con job. My mother uses her computer every day with no problems: I check it regularly for any malware, spyware or deficiencies. They walked her through a song & dance and "discovered" endless 'problems' and left persistent malware on her computer. I'm contacting the police and FBI: they'll soon be be discovered for the septic tank they are.
Called my wife claiming to be a Microsoft Tech needing access to her computer to fix an error that was showing up at the Microsoft Server. My wife took their name and Phone number. (Kevin Johnson - 347-480-2046). She did not turn on the computer nor give him any information. He said he will call back later. We will see. I work in Security.
They called and wanted access to my computer. I know I'm protected on my computer and didn't want their services. I told the guy I was busy fixing dinner and had no time to talk. I was able to get a name and number out of him so I could call when it was convenient for me. (Martin Brown @ windows 347-480-2046). Such a scam. The caller still wanted to try getting me to allow him to give him a different time to call. Again I explained I'm a mom working in my home and my computer is low on my priority list of things to do and work on in my house. He finally got the hint and gave up.
He called and was very persistent and asked me how I don't believe him as he is with Smart guide and needs to fix something on my computer, which is new and is working perfectly OK. I decided to google the telephone number. Glad I did. He claimed hi name is David Beacher, and sounded like he is Indian, but said he is in NY