Yesterday morning Andy got a phone call from a “Certified Microsoft Technician”. The fellow said he knew we were having trouble with our PC, and he could fix our problems if we let him log on remotely. Andy thanked him and said we weren’t interested right now.
Do you think anyone would take the fellow up on his offer?
August 8, 2014
Unfortunately yes, some people are easily taken in by smooth talking and an apparent answer to a problem they just happened to be trying to fix. But of course nobody from Microsoft would call you out of the blue like that. Some people just aren’t suspicious or canny enough.
I would be suspicious of anyone calling me like that. My husband didn’t fall for this one, but he did give some personal information over the phone once. He said, “they knew who I was.” Mostly he’s a lot more suspicious than that, so it’s clearly easy to have a lapse and be taken in.
Oh my… I would “NEVER” let anyone contacting me in that manner get access to my computer. If I initiated the phone call and knew to whom I was speaking, then that’s a different story. Andy did good although I don’t think I would have been as polite! 🙂
Agreed! I have let Apple and Dell techs take control of my computer when trying to fix a problem, but that’s a completely different matter.
If I ever got a call like that, that fellow would regret having called me.
On the other hand, there are enough clueless characters around who will very happily entertain such callers here. In fact, I know of at least three who already have succumbed and paid heavy prices.
I don’t know what damage he could do. I thought that if this “Certified Microsoft Technician” who called YOU, didn’t have your password, he couldn’t take advantage & cause damage. I guess it depends on the way your computer is set up — ???
I would love to hear the details. What a mess that would be.
bikehikebabe,
You have to give them access. Vicki explains below.
Ummmmm……… I don’t think so! 🙂
Me neither!
We used to get quite a few calls from “windows security department” telling us our computer is infected with a virus.
Now that we are on the Do Not Call register, we get less calls – but not a complete cessation.
Every so often, one will filter through. Sometimes, I’ll play along, as they say their Windows Security spiel. When I then tell them I don’t have a PC, only a Mac, they stall and hang up… usually 🙂
These companies can be a problem if people do as they ask.
Potentially, they can install trojans that steal information and passwords, gain online banking info easily – if someone follows their prompts to remotely access their personal computer, and they can install viruses and malicious software – which can cost a lot to fix, not to mention the inconvenience.
Sadly, it’s a common occurrence these days, and people need to be on guard. They prey on the unwary and the elderly, who use computers to keep in touch with loved ones, but are not particularly computer savvy.
A friend of mine almost fell for it. I told her, that if she has problems with her computer, she calls the computer guys, they never call you. If they do call… it’s a scam. They’re liars and thieves.
It’s a sad world that we have to be so careful. 🙁
I had to field one of those calls for my elderly parents when they were alive. As we were using a mac it was easy to see it was a scam. But my parents would have been conned probably if I hadn’t been there.
I’m so glad you were there to protect them.