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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Scam or not?

I've just received a phone call claiming to be from BT saying that they've received an error report from my computer indicating I'm being hacked. They want me to work with them through my computer, giving them access, to rectify it. I thought this might be a scam so said no. 

But it might not be? They do have my phone number after all and know that I have BT as my internet provider. 

I also received such a call a while back from someone claiming to be from Microsoft. 

Any else had such a call?  I really am worried that the call is the scam but then again also worried that I might have been hacked! 

Advice please! 

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Permalink Reply by Ruth on March 7, 2015 at 8:27

I had such a call from 'Microsoft' a few months back, twice in fact, and told them to p*** off, not believing they were Microsoft. They wanted to take control of my PC…. oh no I thought!

So, now they are probably trying this BT identity instead hoping to fool me this way. I told them to go away and put phone down….. 

Clearly this sort of thing becoming more common so we should all be vigilant. 

Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on March 6, 2015 at 10:14

"Which" had a useful webpage on this in 2013.

My approach is to suspect everyone who calls. Be polite but on your guard. If they are a legit business they'll understand completely.  And won't be offended as they know how much scams and frauds cost them and their customers.

"Hi. I'm not home right now.
But if you want to leave a 
message, just start talking 
at the sound of the tone.

Hello? This is your Mother. 
Are you there? 
Are you coming home?
Hello? Is anybody home? 
Well, you don't know me,
but I know you.

And I said: OK. 
Who is this really? 
And the voice said:
This is the hand, the hand that takes."
—— Laurie Anderson "O Superman"
Permalink Reply by Ruth on March 7, 2015 at 8:18

I love that Laurie Anderson song. I went to see her live yonks back and she included that in her set. Thanks! 

Permalink Reply by Daniel Farnworth on March 6, 2015 at 10:19
Basically, if you have cause to ask the question "is this a scam", then the likelihood is that it is a scam
Permalink Reply by Justin Guest on March 6, 2015 at 12:34

Call BT on a different phone (in case they have left the line open that they called you on) and ask them...

As everyone is saying thought I have read loads about scams like this. Did they know your name out of interest?

Not sure what you do with your personal info, but my wife had someone use her identity to get a store credit card and some pillows turned up randomly (apparently they do a test run to see if stuff is actually delivered before they go for the big ticket items). After that everything (including the info with my name and address on) is either shredded or burnt in my wood burning stove. Nothing goes in the bin or recycling that has any personal info on.

Permalink Reply by Emma on March 6, 2015 at 12:52
Defo a scam! Same thing happened to my partner and unfortunatley they gained access to her computer and left a nasty bug. scams are getting very clever these days and playing on peoples vulnerability
Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on March 6, 2015 at 13:20

My Mam (who had neither a computer nor an internet connection) used to get these all the time.  She (my Man) would claim something was on the stove, ask them to hold, put the phone to one side and carry on watching Inspector Morse.  Cost them a fortune.

Permalink Reply by Sharon on March 6, 2015 at 13:42
What a brilliant Mam :)
Permalink Reply by Ruth on March 6, 2015 at 19:13

Thanks fore replies folks. Just wanted to check I wasnt being paranoid/overly cautious. I gave them short shrift I must admit. And I hate being addressed as Madam as this guy did today! 

Have a good scam free w/end. 

Permalink Reply by Muriel Zaccuri on March 13, 2015 at 7:07
It is a well-known scam

How it works

http://mobile.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/security/3378798/microsoft-pho...

A recorded call: the article is in Italian but the call is in English and the journalist takes the piss out of the caller

http://attivissimo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/nuova-telefonata-dei-truf...
Permalink Reply by Peter on March 13, 2015 at 15:10

I've had too many such calls.  They just assume you're with BT.  I did report this to BT on one occasion.

One time a guy claiming to be from Microsft called I said I needed to power up the PC and then went off to do something else, while he was kept waiting at the other end.

And last time I told the person the police were onto them.

I've also had the accident reclaim call (I hadn't had an accident).

Permalink Reply by Mr Wodjacallim on March 13, 2015 at 15:22

The real problem is phone operators permit calls from undisclosed or spoofed sources. If people knew where the calls came from, it would soon stop and it ain't gonna happen any time soon.  It's legit.

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