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We are receiving calls from 818 493 198. Saying they are from Windows. Are they legit?

  • 24 January 2015
  • 3 replies
  • 56 views

We keep getting calls from an unknown number.  Today I finally answered.  The person calling is saying he is "Steven" and that our Windows is dowloading corrupt downloads.  I refused to talk with him nor give him any information.  If I have WebRoot why would this not be stopped or is this a scam.  I could hardly understand this "Steven" and he is very rude.  I said I have tech support and don't call my phone again. 
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Best answer by RetiredTripleHelix 24 January 2015, 18:12

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Userlevel 7
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Hello and Welcome to the Webroot Community!
 
THIS IS A SCAM!!  Neither Microsoft nor any other company sends emails, pop ups, or phone calls of any kind advising that you may have a problem.
 
If you clicked anything links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any web sites please submit a Trouble Ticket ASAP.  (Now would be a good idea....)
 
If you would like more information, read on (After submitting that Trouble Ticket.....)
 
NEWS ARTICLE: Tech Support Scams are on the rise.
 
 
Microsoft never issues this type of warning or email or anything of a sort!  Please see the following link for Microsofts official word on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
 
"Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
 
Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you're using.
 
Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable."
 
Also see Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx 
 
 
For more information here iwhat the United States Federal Trade Commission has to say on the subject::
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
 
"In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.
 
These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer; it’s to make money."
 
This scam is common and has been around for quite a while.  Here is a good Webroot Blog article from April 2013 by Threat Researcher Roy Tobin.
http://www.webroot.com/blog/2013/04/30/fake-microsoft-security-scam/
 
Also to help with these issues it's best to install an Ad Blocker for your Browsers:
 
For Firefox Adblock Edge: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-edge/?src=ss
 
For Chrome µBlock : https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/%C2%B5block/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm?utm_source=chrome-app-launcher-info-dialog
 
For Internet Explorer Del Ad 15 day trial: http://www.delad.com/en/
 
So I would suggest to use one of the other Browsers as the Ad Blockers are free.
 
Thanks,
 
Daniel 😉
thanks so much for the information. I got one of these calls this morning. Almost fell for it. They are so conviencing, it's scary, until they started calling me stupid and other derogatory names. Then it got really heated. Glad I had my Webroot.
Userlevel 7
Badge +56
Hello and Welcome to the Webroot Community!
 
Your Welcome and yes there are way to many scammers out there via the Web, emails and Phone calls that want to steal your money and education is the only thing we can pass on so let your family and friends know!
 
Thanks,
 
Daniel 😉

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