Anybody experience the "Microsoft Tech Support" scams?

[immoderate]

I've had it tried on me twice in the past two weeks. Someone calls from "Tech Support," and reports that your computer is being attacked by viruses, which they can "detect from the internet."

They guide you to System applications (like Event Viewer) that typically show warning messages, (though that's normal) and ultimately work on getting a credit card, or more sinisterly, taking remote control of the computer. I am suspicious, having fallen for a phishing scheme through email a year ago, but this may be convincing to some non-technical types.

I did some hunting and found this blog about the scam.
http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/watch-out-for-microsoft-tech-support-scams/

I was just wondering if these calls were common. (The other kind of (robo)call I get lately is from home protection agencies. )

--imm

[Recursion]

1. Dear God. People do *anything* on their computer based on an unsolicited phone call? (nt)

[greytdemocrat]

4. Yes

A lot of people are that stupid.

[ck4829]

2. If viruses were that easy to detect, nobody's computers would be infected

[MADem]

3. You should "Tom Mabe" 'em....he's a comedian that jerks telemarketers around.

Pretend you're an old geezer, be real slow, act confused, take your time, keep 'em on the line while you make "dumb" mistakes, and then (either using another "voice" or get a friend to do it) have someone say "OK, FBI has traced the call--you don't need to talk to that asshole anymore" -- at least get them to wee their pants a bit...!

[riverbendviewgal]

6. my son did that.wasting their timeis money

And it is fun to do it.

[immoderate]

7. I sort of did that.

I admit it took me a few seconds, but I was sure they couldn't diagnose my computer, and then report it with a phone call. My disbelief was with the idea that they thought I didn't know that!

--imm

[MADem]

11. Every second you spend jerking their chain is one they won't have to rip some poor slob off! nt

[riverbendviewgal]

5. my neighbor just had one the other day

He he told the caller he did not have a computer. My son's mother in law who is 91was scammmed....And the scanners still kept calling. She lives in England.
..
Her credit card had to be canceled. My son recorded the next few calls. Not much you can do as callers are calling from out of country.

[dipsydoodle]

8. I just say

I've got 4 connected , which is true anyway , which one you talking about. They promptly ring off. I'm UK and not sure if same applies to US or not but without exception the calls are obviously from India or thereabouts.

Its a scam so treat as you would other scams.

[immoderate]

10. Both calls I got sounded Indian.

One each male and female. They are very patient.

--imm

[closeupready]

9. K&R

[sanatanadharma]

12. I receive these calls a lot...

...and I string the caller along as long as possible to tie up their time (never do what they say to do).

Play with them.
"Yes, Ive noticed my computer has problems. You say your calling about windows? I need a new window, having tossed my desktop through the window.'
One caller finally told me to sick it up my mother's p*ss* before hanging up.
Ask them to hold a minute, set the phone down and walk away.

[DainBramaged]

13. I've reported on this a couple of times...

Ars Technica

[Diclotican]

14. immoderate

immoderate

Tell them to show it - I have experienced the same this summer - a lady who spoke so horrible english that even I had problems understanding it - and I am not exactly a fluent english speaking, was telling about how my computer was attached and they wanted to help... All the time my computer was off - and had been off for a couple of days because I had been out of town - it sounds silly - when I confronted the lady about the facts on the ground - she was telling some silly story and I kind of blow up and told here so clear terms than even a dead one would have understand it where to do with her help. And I also told her - that I know about the scams - and if they ever called me again I would hunt them down and destroy them as maggots...

I had never been called upon after that...

Diclotican