Potential Scam

[Flying10uk]

The other day while using my computer and minding my own business I received a phone call from someone with a strong "foreign accent" saying that my Windows software was currently downloading a large amount of viruses and then he started asking me questions about my keyboard. The chap was talking very fast and I was having a job to understand him as well as hear him. I thought that it was a bit odd that he referred to my "Windows software" when I own an Apple Mac but I said nothing and continued to play catch-up to try to understand what the hell he was talking about.

Anyone who knows me will know that I have only very limited I.T. skills and knowledge and make no secret of this. Eventually this chap paused for breath and said "have you got an Apple Mac?" to which I replied yes. He didn't say anything else but just slammed the phone down on me - how rude.

I know that he was trying to do some sort of scam which it would appear doesn't work with Apple Macs but I am not able to give any further explanation for this phone call. I wondered if there is a member with greater I.T. skills than myself that could explain exactly what this chap was up to, please? Thanks







Apologies, if this should have gone in the Watering hole forum, please feel free to move it there if appropriate, Moderators, thanks.

[browningautorifle]

It's exactly what you think. He's going to get you to open up your computer and load some of his spyware. Then if he can get a credit card off you to pay for other things, you're hooped. I get a call from them about 5 times a month, they work out of their own homes, they seem to be the same ones that called me several times...I know because I started a particular conversation with them and when I started it subsequently, they hung up. On the bright side, if nothing's happening around the house you can have a good time with them as they have no recourse because they're crooks. I had a rather sexual conversation with "her" until she put "him" on the phone...and then I started on him... That couple doesn't call me any more. You can't block them as they route their calls through local private numbers. They use an automatic dialer so it just runs. If you see a number you don't recognize or unlisted just pick up and hang up again or you'll have the exact same conversation with them regularly.

[Flying10uk]

Ok thanks jim, I did try to get the number which we can do in the U.K. sometimes by dialling 1471 but got a message that it was unavailable. Is the caller already connected/hooked into your computer when he calls or does he have to get you to do something first, to gain access? Thanks

[Aragorn243]

If you don't recognize the caller, don't talk to them. All they need to do is for you to say the word "yes" and you are screwed. They are taping the calls and can use your "yes" to make purchases in a stolen identity situation. Never give them any personal information, while I have personally led them on in the past like Jim has, I won't do it anymore. The sophistication with these people gets higher by the day. No credit cards, no identifying numbers or codes, they don't have access to your computer unless you give it to them, no birthdays, etc. Be very direct. "What is this regarding" If they can't answer to your satisfaction in one sentence, just hang up. If it really is your government calling, (it isn't) they will send you a letter.

[AZPhil]

Yeah that one gets old after a while. I always say "How can that be? I don't have a computer!!! They hang up. Works every time.
I know our cousins across the pond and up north don't have an IRS but that is the last tactic they have been using here. They say You pay or they will have you arrested and sent to jail for failure to pay past taxes. When I got that call after trying my hardest to understand her Pakistani accent. I asked the "Agent" what her badge number was so I could ask my Sis in law who works for the IRS if this was real. They hung up on that one also!!!!!!

I read in the news later that they did find them and busted some of that ring in Pakistan

Semper Fi
Phil
Phil

[RASelkirk]

I never answer an unknown number (thank God for caller ID). That's what answering machines are for!

Russ

[Flying10uk]

I found this online article on the subject which seems quite informative: Phone tech support scam goes wrong | Malwarebytes Labs

[browningautorifle]

Is the caller already connected/hooked into your computer when he calls or does he have to get you to do something first, to gain access?

No, they don't even know you have a computer. To prove this next time they call, and there will be a next time...tell them you don't have one. I'd just leave it though and not talk to them. I just can't see my call display without glasses so I just pick up. I have time anyway... I could hear the background noises of a home during this whole thing. They're calling from their own home I'm sure...kids in the background and all.

[henry r]

One of the best calls i had was when i pretended to be going along with the guy but totally computer illiterate. I kept the guy going for 40 minutes. During this time i "accidently" shut the computer down, "went into the wrong files" several times. I continually got him to repeat himself and lead me by the hand through most basic things and still messed them up.

I was having a great time but my wife came home and asked who was on the phone. When i explained to her it was a scammer, she grabbed the phone told him in no uncertain terms that she knew what he was doing and what she thought of him, his parentage, etc then hung up.
I was devistated, it was so much fun listening to the frustration in his voice. i could have kept him going for another half hour plus.

[Flying10uk]

The chap on the other end of the phone, a few days ago, seemed to automatically assume that I had excellent I.T. skills and knowledge which I haven't, judging by the speed at which he was talking. He did catch me a bit off guard because I hadn't realised that such phone calls were made by scammers but I will, hopefully, be better prepared next time. Thanks for the helpful advice chaps.