<p>As you know, I have some problems with the Windows XP system, I felt unsafe using the computers and I was going to upgrade into a Window 7 system. But I need to gear up for the task as I had a lot of files and programs to be moved and the upgrade will be a complete new install/re-install.</p>
<p>In the interim, I received a call with heavy Indian accent represented himself as a Microsoft technician who had detected virus activities on my computer, he pointed out the warning messages in my Windows event viewer and had my Windows ID number. With a weak moment, I had fall for the scam and gave them the access of my computer. In front of my eyes, they installed AMMYY software on my computer and software password locked my computer for a ransom of $250 to $400 so he will unlock the computer for me by providing a password. When I refuse to pay and told him he is a scam, he told me he will always have control of my computer and laughed in my face then hang up.</p>
<p>After he hung up, I could not unlock the computer system even by booting into Windows Safe mode. But fortunately, I have another copy of the Windows on a separate hard disk that I can use to boot up my system and get all my files out. I have since reformatted the hard disk and installed a clean copy of Window 7, the problem is that all my programs are gone and needs to be re-installed. It took me several hours just to bring up Window 7 and re-install part of my programs, I still have several days of work to get my system recovered to the original state. In addition, some of my old emails from 5-6 years ago on the old hard disk may lost forever.</p>
<p>I want to report this so that if a person called and tell you there is a virus on your computer, hung up as fast as you can.
I have since found a lot of discussions with this scam and here is a few links for your review.</p>
<p>Yup, I got this call last week. Same thing happened, except that I told him I was busy and hung up. Typically, I don’t even answer the phone anymore unless I recognize the number. Not really sure why I picked it up.</p>
<p>I got a text message last week from someone saying they wanted to give me money for my company.
Emails saying that I am the chosen heir from a prince in Malawi go right to my spam folder, but this was the first time I had gotten a junk text.</p>
<p>Sorry you are going through that OP. Sounds like a pita.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry! They called me and I lit into him and told him I realized that people have to make a living, but SURELY he could find something to do besides being a scam artist! My Dad fell for a similar scam.</p>
<p>So sorry! I’ve gotten the same calls more than once. And it WAS at a time I needed assistance. They are very convincing. The only thing that really kept me from falling for it was thinking “when was the last time Microsoft called you?”–never. I can’t get help on a good day.
From what I’ve learned since it is a common scam, they usually do release your computer after you’ve paid the “ransom” (no guarantee however and who knows what info you have on your computer that’s already been stolen?".</p>
<p>I get a call from the same scammer from time to time. They try to make it sound as if they are calling from Microsoft and are doing you a big favor. After the 3rd or 4th call, I got fed up and started giving it right back to them until they hang up.</p>
<p>Another scammer is now calling from North Carolina claiming they need info from you asap to prevent a legal action against you from happening at 5 pm today. It is so easy to fall for this bs because nobody wants to be sued or arrested. Be careful if these folks call you as they will pump you for personal information and they already know who lives in your household etc.</p>
<p>Can they get into your computer when you give them all of that info. Like all of your passwords and things that could compromise you financially.</p>
<p>Ebay recently was hacked and all accounts with them should be given new passwords as a result. </p>
<p>We get the same call (fake Microsoft) on an irregular basis. I thank them for notifying us and tell them that I’ll have someone look into it. They persist and so do I, explaining we have someone I trust that can handle it for me. I’ve had some fun going around in circles with them. (I nearly got scammed by them the first time they called myself.)</p>
<p>First they GAVE me all the info pertain to my computer, like Windows event logs and Widows serial numbers, which made me believe that they are from Microsoft. After that they ask me give permission to access my computer to alter the system…</p>
<p>As a general rule, most people who offer unsolicited help are more likely to be helping themselves than you. It takes practice to get over the fear of being rude, but it helps if you’ve spent some time in New York. :)</p>
<p>I usually tell them that my H works at Microsoft. Mr B tells them that his W works in the legal department of Microsoft ( both are blatant lies, but you have to fight fire with fire) That ends the conversation quickly. </p>
<p>I get this call periodically and always listen to the spiel and then ask if his mother is ashamed that her kid scams people for a living. Ends the conversation fast, and I at least can hope it will convince someone to find another line of work!</p>
<p>I’m confused. How can someone who is not me, who is not using my computer, “detect” a virus on my machine? That sounds so implausible to me that I would hang up immediately.</p>
<p>I have two responses to things like this, depending on how much time I have:</p>
<p>If I am in a hurry, I ask how to contact them through their company fronts - basically who to ask for when I call Microsoft’s 800 number. If they give it to me, then I can call back later through the actual company and ensure that they are legitimate, and THEN decide if working with them is a good idea. And if they don’t give it to me, if they give me a “you have to use this number” then I know it is definitely a scam.</p>
<p>If I am NOT in a hurry, I just play a game where I try to keep them on the line as long as possible without giving them information. It is a surprising amount of fun and wastes their time as a punishment for trying to waste mine. I have been known to hem and haw and randomly start talking about my dog and try to get personal information out of THEM, etc, etc. My kids love to listen in., fun for the whole family!</p>
<p>You know I was too smart on this. As my OP statement says “As you know, I have some problems with the Windows XP system”. The problems are many but one of them is that application often lock up, some time even Chrome. I had to use “ctl-alt-del” to terminate the programs that were locked up. After you terminated the program, Window will ask if you want report it to the Microsoft. That is how I believe Microsoft may have detected a major virus on my computer.//// Shame on me.///</p>
<p>I’m getting these calls nearly every night. </p>
<p>Like cosmicfish, I’ve started to play with them. From the past two nights: </p>
<p>scammer: ‘hi, I’m from (windows scam people) and I need to talk to you about your windows computer’</p>
<p>Me: windows?</p>
<p>Scammer: hello?</p>
<p>Me: hello?</p>
<p>Scammer: repeating opening line…</p>
<p>Me: windows?</p>
<p>Scammer: hello?</p>
<p>(Lather, rinse, repeat until they hang up)</p>
<p>I’ve also said more, to the point where I admit I’m not the main user of the computer in the household. When asked, I let them know that the president of the United States is not available.</p>
<p>I once asked the guy if the scam actually worked and he replied yeah.</p>
<p>My son answered yesterday, fully intending to speak to them in fluent Spanish. He couldn’t do it- he was laughing too much.</p>
<p>If I get called again, I’m using the “does your mother know what you’re doing?” line. I’ll just add “what’s her number? I’m calling her now.–my computer has tracked you.”</p>