There have been continuing reports concerning this problem, so please Beware!
Beware of the Scam Calls that come in telling you that they are from Microsoft and your computer is either infected, or about to crash. These people have crafted a story that tells you about how they are from Microsoft and your computer has come up on their screens and they are here to help you and blah blah blah. They only want to rob you! Do not help them. This is a complete and total scam. So please listen up.
Number one. Microsoft does not, will not, and has never cold called you! (read that 3 or four times please) Never Connect to a Cold Caller. Never Never Never.
Number two. There is no number to call these guys back. Every Legitimate Business has a number you can call back. No matter what their story, Never connect, Never Give any information, Just hang Up. If you must, request not to ever be called, but hang up. It is amazing to me that even after people are warned, they continue to get scammed and wonder why? Please tell them you need their number call at a more convenient time or to give to the federal trade commission or the FBI or any other law enforcement group and watch how the story continues into oblivion.
Number three. Read one and two again and never, I repeat never let a cold caller connect to your computer or your credit card. (did I say never). These guys are trained like the closers at a time share sales promotion. They will tell you anything to get you to give them control and your money.
This is a Scam – Beware I am not prone to blast messages that get sent to everyone, however it is time that this message be sent again. Please share with anyone you wish. This scam has been going on for several years and has just seemed to be on the rise again. Remember there are NO EXCEPTIONS – Microsoft or one of its partners is not calling you. They will say we are Microsoft Gold partners and are doing this as a service to you. LIE LIE LIE.
A quick story of how one friend handled this. He was in a playful mood and decided to listen to these scam artists and they talked and thought they were guiding him to a particular site. Little did they know he was just doing his normal surfing. They requested him to tell them what was on the screen. He said (a complete fabrication) it says ice cream is on sale. The virus scam artist them said “oh my! You have the dreaded Chinese Ice Cream Virus. We must connect to you immediately.” So as you might expect, after a hearty laugh, he hung up. You would be well advised to do the same.
Just Google ‘Microsoft calling scam’
If you Google Microsoft Calling Scam you can read lots of articles from Microsoft about the scam. These crooks are the like a virus, they continue mutating and taking advantage of people who are gullible to their pitch. Beware Beware Beware