BB FANS

The other day, I had a phone call from a foreign sounding man claiming to be from Microsoft. He told me that he had received a signal from my computer to say that it was infected with malicious files and that he would help me get rid of them. I had never heard of this hoax before, but had no intention of doing anything he told me. However, I kept him talking because I was intrigued to know what he would say! He told me that he knew my name and address and proceeded to tell me what it was. I said 'How did you get that then? So he said, 'your computer told me'!!

I told him that I had anti virus software and anti spyware on my computer, so he said 'no they wouldn't pick this up'.

At one point, I put the phone down on him and he phoned back again!! and said 'Why did you put the phone down on me? I am trying to help you.'

Anyway, then he told me to go to my computer and click on 'Start', then right click on something (can't remember now), so I said 'okay'. Then he said 'and what do you see?' So I said, 'I don't know, I'm not near my computer, so I'm writing it down!' He then screamed at me 'NO don't write it down!!' Anyway, I eventually managed to get rid of him by saying that I would phone him back and he gave me an Oxford number and his name was Sam. I then went straight to my computer to search the Internet.

Here are a few of the links that I found:-

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/jul/20/phone-calls-india-scams

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/ca/pc-help/1908340/exposed-cold-pc-service-company-tried-mislead

So this is a warning to you all. Please don't divulge any information to someone phoning you out of the blue like this. They will either be trying to sell you a service for a fee (and then of course you would be giving them your credit card details also) or otherwise try to steal your identity.

Since this happened, I have heard of someone else I know, having this happen also.

My mum had this happen to her ...and she hasn't even got a computer !!

To explain what happens a bit further - the caller, often from China or India, will ask you to look at certain processes on your computer. It is normal for some of these to show what at first glance may seem to be problems, but are not. They look for gullible people who don't know much about their own computer and will believe that there is a problem.
They will give you step by step information on running a process called eventvwr (the Windows Event Viewer) then to look at Applications or System. The list you see ALWAYS has Error messages with yellow triangles or red circles with a white cross in.
They tell you that these errors are caused by malicious software you've downloaded and your PC is infected, they will go on and on about this.
Eventually they ask you to go to their website and start a process that will give them direct access to your PC. They would be able to log in and look at your system to clean the infection - but what they actually do is to install a program that they say is to clear the problems.
This bit of software makes some major changes to your PC by disabling your anti-virus software and crippling many other genuine programs. Once they have you by the short and curlies they make demands for money to clean up the infection - and only by paying them will they put a code into their software that allows your PC to function again.
If you don't pay they've really screwed your computer up and it takes some time to clear their rubbish away if you then go to a proper PC technician.
Even if you do pay they will be back next year and the year after to demand the subscription fee.
The way to stop this is never believe these parasites - they are running a scam. Yes, they may be Microsoft trained, but they don't work for M$ nor are they in a position to know anything about your computer prior to the call.
They get your personal details and phone number from companies like 192.com.
To be warned is to be prepared.

The one I came across reffered the user to a web page which enabled remote access if you do what the fraudster tells you .. they then zip round your PC while you watch and use the event log thing like OG mentions to show you their are errors and problems with your PC, they then demand a creditc card payment to fix it .. luckily my mate told them to F off.

I keep telling people this, but no cold caller is ever calling you for your benefit, but alas it is us nicer souls who fall for this tricks as we cant see the bad in people.

If you search youtube you will see vids of people trying to waste as much time of these scammers as possible doing just what you did Christine.

Another scam Ive had to fight is boiler rooms/share dealing ...you buy bogus shares then after a while they come back and try to get you again saying they will sell them for you but ask for the commision upfront. Alas some just cannot be convinced the shares are bogus and so when the call back to buy them they get stung again.

Ah - I think I have some of those in 'Channel 4 BB 2012'