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<p>Seems like your computer has been previously cracked, revealing this information to the telemarketing scammer.</p>
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<p>Your ISP could notice an unusual traffic pattern indicating that your computer has been cracked. But your ISP would probably firewall that traffic in response and contact you to let you know that you have a problem.</p>
<p>I feel so rejected; I never get these calls! But if I do, I like BB’s response that her H works for Microsoft.</p>
<p>(I’m also in the camp of almost never answering our land line if I don’t recognize the number)</p>
<p>This scam has been discussed here before. I got the call once and told them I couldn’t understand a word they were saying (which was true- they had a heavy accent). They gave up after my repeated " I cannot understand you - you work for who?" . They hung up but called right back. Same person, same accent. Maybe they thought someone else would answer the phone. Nope. I hung up. Told them my DH is in IT which is true. If there is a problem with the computer hell fix it. </p>
<p>I would tell them - I don’t have any Microsoft programs on my computer.
Which is true.</p>
<p>EK - you don’t use Word or Excel? 
Wow. But sure - mention Apple, and they hang up. </p>
<p>A friend gave them a runaround about windows - the Milgard kind. :)</p>
<p>Nope. I use Pages and Numbers.
Last time I used Word it came on 9 floppy disks.
;)</p>
<p>This issue is completely new to me, as I have never heard of such calls. If they do ever call me I think I’ll use Bunsen’s counter-scam: “my spouse works at the legal department in Redmond, WA.” I may also act like I am dumb as a doornail; “did you say WINDEX or WINDOWS?”</p>
<p>artloversplus, I too have received these calls. Since I hadn’t noticed any problems on my computer, I chose not to play along. But they have been relentless with their calls. I think if they call again, I’ll say: “So, just to save us both some time, you want me to let you access my computer so you can then freeze it on me and then charge me money to unfreeze it?” I betcha they hang up fast.</p>
<p>First of all, as UCB stated, I believe my Windows XP was penetrated that is how they can provide the Windows serial numbers to convince me that the call was “real”.</p>
<p>I’d like to have a straw poll see which system were/are you using for those who had received such a call. It was my first. I also want to know if any one is using an Apple Computer had ever received a call like that. </p>
<p>BTW, for those who’s system had been penetrated, you may not notice immediate action, but eventually some thing will happen, either virus attack, unusual system slow down, credit card fraud or actual financial losses.</p>
<p>So far we haven’t received any of these calls, but I did receive a lovely email yesterday from a premier in China informing me that I’m owed $4.5 million and if I’ll just contact him, he’ll be glad to transfer it to my bank account. :)) </p>
<p>alp, I have Windows 7 on my laptop. But DH has a Mac. I don’t know whether they’re calling him or me.</p>
<p>I also received a scam phone call from some Indian dude claiming he was from the IRS. I filed for an extension this year(this maybe why) but luckily I told my husband if the IRS ever needs anything, they have to send paper trails, not voice mail that said urgent, I needed to call back right away and in a threatening voice as not to discard his message. Guess what I discarded the message and I never pick up the phone line ever. It goes to my voice mail and if it’s a real person, they will announce who they are before I will talk to them.</p>
<p>A99</p>
<p>That is an old trick from the 70’s… =)) </p>
<p>Oh we used to get those calls all the time. The last time, I just kept saying “What?” After a few go arounds, the heavy accent disappeared and the guy started cursing me out in perfect English. It made my day.</p>
<p>Love caller ID. If we don’t recognize the number we don’t answer. If it was a real person trying to reach us they leave a message. The other calls do not. But most friends and family have our cell phones. </p>
<p>Artlovers - I get these calls on my cell when Im driving! EK has a Mac and got this call as well. </p>
<p>I did get a scam text, but not about my computer.
It was from someone who wanted to will me $8M to organize a charity.
Oh, OK.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing this. I warned my folks. My mom is pretty savvy and skeptical, my dad less so. They got that “help me grandma I am in jail” call a few weeks ago. </p>
<p>I know when I get old I won’t ever pick up the phone because there are so many telemarketing, mentally I will be weak or not sharp and might get into trouble.
I worry that a lot of elders are lonely and wanting to talk to somebody.</p>