Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

A(nother) phone scam

I just had a gentleman phone me from an Indian call centre, purporting to be from the "Windows Tech Support Centre". He informed me that my PC had caught a terrible virus but he could help deal with it. As I typed the words "windows tech support centre + scam" into Google, I tried to keep him on the line to glean some more details of the organisation he was actually calling from, and where he got my number, but he hung up.

Anyway, be on your guard - The Guardian did an article on the scam a while back.

They could catch a vulnerable person out methinks.

Tags for Forum Posts: scam, telephone scam

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Permalink Reply by Liz on January 14, 2012 at 14:48

I had one this morning. I know of one elderly person who was completely taken in by this scam, so they got an earful from me about their criminal behaviour. Won't stop them, I suppose, but hopefully gave them a few minutes of unpleasantness.

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Permalink Reply by Nigel Lupton (luptonn) on January 14, 2012 at 21:59

These people are really nasty, playing on people's fear and a bit of social engineering to install a virus on peoples PCs.

We were staying with family over Christmas and they had a similar call. Asking for a name and contact phone number seemed to be enough to scare them away. I'd recommend this approach. I didn't have a chance to speak to them but I think I could keep them occupied for an hour or so and away from bothering others.

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Permalink Reply by David Deane on January 16, 2012 at 9:28

you could string them along. score points for the length of the phonecall, and most ridiculous sitatusions contrived to distrct you.

my brother did this:

"just got called by an indian scammer claiming to be from "computer support services" or similar. After stringing him along for 15 minutes I told him I had to put out the fire that was in the kitchen filling my house with smoke. 10 minutes later I told him to wait while I put on my wellies as there was water pouring under the door. "just put all those things from your mind and concentrate on the infections on your computer..."
I gave up when he claimed he didn't know what Google was (and I couldn't hold in the laughter much longer)"

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on January 16, 2012 at 10:14

In the beginning, I'd string them along as far as possible getting them to confirm repeatedly that they were certain that I'd got a problem with "Windows XP" system on my DOS-Windows box. And then let them know I'd been purely Macintosh-only for 20+ years.

This is good if you've got spare time. After you get the umpteenth similar call, the amusement quotient falls.

Recommended: Ask them if they can hold? Use any excuse, like, there's someone at the door. Typically, they can hold. Then you can go about your regular business without having to banter plus, you deny them the chance to inflict their "Windows" garbage-patter on someone less savvy. The only disadvantage is that it ties up your phone line.

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Permalink Reply by pamish on January 16, 2012 at 12:22

I remind you of the best-ever response - well second best after Liz' making one cry - 30 minutes later, say you can't do it cos you don't have a phone.