Someone had a phone call from a crook "Windows Care"?

Yesterday, on November 4, @ 5:00 p.m. PDT, I received a phone call from a man with an accent who knew my name saying he called "Windows Care" and there was a problem with my computer.  I hung up.

I wonder if others get these calls in North America.  I read that it was a wave of them earlier in the year in the United Kingdom. How he got my phone number and name? How can protect yourself you?

JenniferAnne, Victoria BC, CANADA

It's a scam and the calls are received in Europe and North America we know... probably in Asia and South America also.  Name and telephone number could come from "the directory" or any public documents.  Protect you by doing exactly what you did... you were enough NET determine this was a scam and you have hung up.

http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msName.aspx

http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-scams.aspx

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/securitytipstalk/archive/2010/03/09/Don-t-fall-for-phony-phone-tech-support.aspx

Tags: Windows

Similar Questions

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    Hello BruceHiggins,

    In addition information of No Mo, I have included some URLS from users who have experienced the same telephone call you under.

    Scam phone call pretending to be Windows support:

    http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/Forum/windows_vista-security/scam-phone-call-claiming-to-be-from-Windows/193f0a33-4ad9-4a07-96eb-9a7e3debb269

    I received a phone call from someone who claims to have a Virus:

    http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/Forum/windows_vista-security/i-received-a-phone-call-from-someone-claiming-i/4489f388-d6de-416d-9158-0079764bb001

    Thank you

    James

  • Recently had a phone call from a person identified as a Microsoft employee and she warned me that my system was sending error messages

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    Please see:

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    On Saturday, February 4, 2012 12:15:49 + 0000, Jean Bell wrote:

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    Fake phone calls to technical support

    Calls unrequested telephone of this nature are almost always a common scam. Do not let them give any info, do not give access to your PC, not give them all the money and do not go to all the websites that they suggest. One moment.

    Please see:

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

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  • Phone calls from representatives of Windows

    Original title: ask yourself

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    Hello

    Yes, it's a SCAM!

    Report a scam to technical support
    https://support.Microsoft.com/getsupport/?oaspworkflow=start_1.0.0.0&wfname=scamsurvey&CCSID=635596204228150092&WA=wsignin1.0

    Avoid scams to phone for tech support
    http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

    Scams by e-mail or web: how to protect yourself - understands what to do if you
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    http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-scams.aspx

    How to recognize phishing e-mails, phone calls or links
    http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-symptoms.aspx

    In the United States, you can contact the local police to the FBI, Attorney general, and
    consumer watch groups. Arm yourself with knowledge.

    The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the
    Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center
    (NW3C), funded in part by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
    http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx

    No, Microsoft wouldn't you not solicited. Nor would they know if any errors
    It exists on your computer. So those are the frauds or scams to get your money or
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    Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently: Microsoft has no
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    Scams and hoaxes
    http://support.Microsoft.com/contactus/cu_sc_virsec_master?ws=support#tab3

    Microsoft Support Center consumer
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    Microsoft technical support
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    Microsoft - contact technical support
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    Phone scams
    http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-phone-scams

    Limit unwanted calls & Emails
    http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/limiting-unwanted-calls-emails

    National do not call registry for
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    I hope this helps.

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP<- profile="" -="" windows="" expert="" -="" consumer="" :="" bicycle=""><- mark="" twain="" said="" it="">

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    Sorry to go on and give you every little detail but despite jokes he really shake me and I hope that warn you other people that these people are horrible and won't stop not stalking you until they get what they want, even when they have been rumbled. they have no scruples or even care about their effects on people.  They you in real, and they are completely credible.  After the call I informed fraud action (UK) the 03001232040 that gives you a reference of crime and pass information to the police. I was also advised to get a reputable company computer to look at the computer where they left any damage to the computer.
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    Suggest you read the following: http://ask-leo.com/i_got_a_call_from_microsoft_and_allowed_them_access_to_my_computer_what_do_i_do_now.html

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    Good luck...

  • I just had a phone call from 30 minutes with the technical support of Ceylon-tech.

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    It's a scam!

    Do not let them into your computer, they do not work for Microsoft! Microsoft will never call you unsolicited. Now that you have left in your computer, you have things to fear. You must ensure that your computer is free of any virus or malware and you need to change all of your passwords. If you use your computer for online banking, you need to let them know as well.

    If you search these forums, you'll see a LOT of similar positions.

    I hope this helps.

    Edit - check out this site for good information and instructions.
    http://www.selectrealsecurity.com/malware-removal-Guide/

  • I just had a phone call from a person claiming to be microsoft saying that I had pressing problems and want me to open the event viewer... was that microsoft really do that?

    It was a real person from Microsoft or a marketing attempt? The person named name and my address (I know doesn't mean anything) and says that I have problems with viruses etc. download on my computer

    Hi Elizabeth,.

    It is definitely a scam any.  Microsoft did not communicate people this way.  Ignore them - hang up on them.  In addition to not let them connect to your system, do not allow direct you to a Web site or download anything they suggest - it can be worse than just a marketing effort and an attempt to infect, hack, get information about identity theft or otherwise affect your system (and it may be an effort to marketing as well to infect and then you sell a product to remove infections - which may or may not) not work and most likely the product itself is an infection still further or hacking).

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  • Phone call from fake Tecnical Microsoft company?

    Hello.  Just had a phone call from a person accentuated heavy telling me that I had a few problems with my PC, he asked that I turn it on so that he could help me. There siad it was a Microsoft technical service and he knew that I had problems, I refused to do what he asked of course.  I called 1471 and his number was retained. I would like to hear your comments on that.  How did he know I had problems? Thank you. Trish

    It is WRONG of course and it's SCAM.

    Could someone tell just a PC has a problem, no matter what operating system you are using due time, it will become slow or programs you have installed can cause problems. That's why clean and defragnment came and also in more technical case he was invited to contact Microsoft support. The person calling you don't know what your problem is and just make a few guess common problems which may confront a system.

    Microsoft will NEVER call you unless you called them or ask them to call you.

    I suggest you take a look at:

    http://cyberdefend.WordPress.com/2010/05/14/Hello-i-am-from-Microsoft/

  • I received a phone call from someone claiming that I had a virus

    I received a phone call from the India, claiming I had a virus, and it seems that I do... I followed the steps, they gave me, but I was unable to give them remote access to my computer (IE; take control). I found out because it is a scam.

    As they were unable to access remotely are they still able to access my personal information?

    And will install an antivirus on my computer to get rid of the virus known as I have now?

    Thank you.

    Hello

    Looks like a scam. Please do not hear these calls. If they failed to take control of your computer, then there is no need to worry.

    I suggest that you download, install and run Microsoft Safety Scanner and check if it helps to flush out the virus.

    I would also say that you used your main security software of Microsoft Security Essentials .

  • I got a phone call from a guy who said he was with Microsoft and that someone had linked in my computer. Is it a scam?

    I got a phone call from one of the related foreign accent that he was with Microsoft Security and that my computer has been used or something to that effect.

    I could hardly understand him.  Is this another scam floating around?   What should I do to report this?

    Thank you

    Short answer: Yes. It is a scam. Not much interest to report, as MS are well aware of this problem, but there is little they can do about it since then (I guess) most of the calls are created outside the United States

  • I got a phone call from someone who said they were from microsoft and my computer was in danger, unless I paid 130 pounds for a new warranty, is it a scam?

    I got a phone call from someone who said they were from microsoft and my computer was in danger, unless I paid 130 pounds for a new warranty, is it a scam?

    Hi Debra,

    It's a SCAM! Microsoft does not make that neither have they partners that do and don't they hire contractors or individuals or even to find volunteers to do. There are probably thousands of these companies out there do every day - we get two or three posts like this (or more) each day ask about it. You are lucky who have recognized the scam enough not to be sucked in and eventually identify theft, infections, hacking your computer, convince you to buy software or services you either did not need or that do not really exist at all and all sorts of nefarious stuff. You'd be surprised how much contact us AFTER THAT that they realized they had been duped asking what to do. Don't waste time talking to these people, not give them any personal information it is, don't be fooled by what they can get allows you to see on the computer - in fact, not do anything they suggest on your computer or even to visit Web sites they recommend and for the love of God don't give them access to your computer.

    Microsoft knows this is happening, but with these companies popping up like dandelions, or closing and changing names when discovered and operating mainly from abroad, it would take an army of lawyers to sue each other. They do the best they can, but they are just too many and more added every day. People need to pay attention to these things. They occur not only by telephone, but also by e-mail, instant messaging, mail and all the ways imaginable. Forget not that Microsoft doesn't this and hang up or remove the emails or messages or mail from someone claiming that they do because they know the information on your computer or that you want to get information from you to confirm your account so that it will not be closed and asking you your name of user and password and all sorts of other personal information. Microsoft DO NOT!

    See below for additional information on this topic and what to do and how Microsoft works:

    http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msName.aspx

    http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-scams.aspx

    http://blogs.msdn.com/b/securitytipstalk/archive/2010/03/09/Don-t-fall-for-phony-phone-tech-support.aspx

    I'm glad you don't get captured by these crooks and save yourself a big headache. Continue to use the same caution and you should do fine.

    Good luck and best wishes!

  • phone call from someone who says they work for Microsoft with a saying of phone number blocked that Microsoft was going to block my computer within 24 hours because of our virus transmission, is it true?

    Received a phone call from someone who has not been named (call from a blocked telephone number) saying that Microsoft would block my computer within 24 hours due to virus, we have been forward to microsoft.  He said we had a laptop and gave us a serial number.  We do not have a laptop.  Was it a scam call or this person really used by microsoft?  He wanted me to enter an address to give him access to my computer.  I refused.  Any information you can provide would be appreciated.

    Hello

    Yes, it's a SCAM!

    Avoid scams to phone for tech support
    http://www.Microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

    In the United States, you can contact the local police to the FBI, Attorney general, and
    consumer watch groups. Arm yourself with knowledge.

    The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the
    Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center
    (NW3C), funded in part by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
    http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx

    No, Microsoft wouldn't you not solicited. Nor would they know if any errors
    It exists on your computer. So those are the frauds or scams to get your money or
    worse to steal your identity.

    Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently: Microsoft has no
    for you unsolicited telephone calls help fix your computer
    http://www.Microsoft.com/protect/fraud/phishing/msName.aspx

    Scams and hoaxes
    http://support.Microsoft.com/contactus/cu_sc_virsec_master?ws=support#tab3

    Microsoft Support Center consumer
    https://consumersecuritysupport.Microsoft.com/default.aspx?altbrand=true&SD=GN&ln=en-us&St=1&wfxredirect=1&gssnb=1

    Microsoft technical support
    http://support.Microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support#TAB0

    Microsoft - contact technical support
    http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/help/contact-support

    I hope this helps.

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP<- profile="" -="" windows="" expert="" -="" consumer="" :="" bicycle=""><- mark="" twain="" said="" it="">

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