Microsoft (Spoof) Reports & Reviews (4)
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SCAMPULSE
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SCAMPULSE
If you know any contact information for Microsoft (Spoof), help other victims by adding it!
Type of a scam Tech Support
How the Scam Works
Scammers may call, place alarming pop-up messages on your computer, offer free “security” scans, or set up fake websites – all to convince you that your computer is infected. The scammers try to get you on the phone, and then work to convince you there’s a problem. Finally, they ask you to pay them to fix that non-existent problem.
To convince you that both the scammers and the problems are real, the scammers may:
Pretend to be from a well-known company – like Microsoft or Apple.
Use technical terms.
Ask you to get on your computer and open some files – and then tell you those files show a problem (when they don’t).
Then, once they’ve convinced you that your computer has a problem, the scammers might:
Ask you to give them remote access to your computer – which lets them change your computer settings so your computer is vulnerable to attack.
Trick you into installing malware that gives them access to your computer and sensitive data, like user names and passwords.
Try to sell you software that’s worthless, or that you could get elsewhere for free.
Try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program.
Ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services, or services you could get elsewhere for free.
Direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information.
These scammers want to get your money, access to your computer, or both. But here’s what you can do to stop them.
If You Get a Call or Pop-Up
If you get an unexpected or urgent call from someone who claims to be tech support, hang up. It’s not a real call. And don’t rely on caller ID to prove who a caller is. Criminals can make caller ID seem like they’re calling from a legitimate company or a local number.
If you get a pop-up message that tells you to call tech support, ignore it. There are legitimate pop-ups from your security software to do things like update your operating system. But do not call a number that pops up on your screen in a warning about a computer problem.
If you’re concerned about your computer, call your security software company directly – but don’t use the phone number in the pop-up or on caller ID. Instead, look for the company’s contact information online, or on a software package or your receipt.
Never share passwords or give control of your computer to anyone who contacts you.
If You Were Scammed
Get rid of the malware. Update or download legitimate security software and scan your computer. Delete anything the software says is a problem.
Change any passwords that you shared with someone. Change the passwords on every account that uses passwords you shared.
If you paid for bogus services with a credit card, call your credit card company and ask to reverse the charges. Check your statements for any charges you didn’t make, and ask to reverse those, too. Report it to ftc.gov/complaint.
Refund Scams
If you paid for tech support services, and you later get a call about a refund, that call is probably also a scam. Don’t give out any personal or financial information.
The refund scam works like this: Several months after a purchase, someone calls to ask if you were happy with the service. If you say no, the scammer offers a refund. Or, the caller says the company is going out of business and giving refunds. The scammer eventually asks for your credit card number, or asks for access to your bank account to make a deposit. But instead of putting money in your account, the scammer takes money from your account. Report it to ftc.gov/complaint. (I tried to email to this but it isn't a complete url or something - it wouldn't go)
My actual encounter was a phone call - asked me to log in to my computer - asked to "share" my computer so they could show me the problems - they showed me that several others were using my IP. I freaked and let them do what they wanted - it took forever so I am sure they were copying all my info. I paid them with an online check. A few days later they called and said they were not going to protect me but offered me two years of McAfee protection for free. I asked why they were not covering me - they said something about Microsoft not service the US but moving to Canada - which set off an alarm - that I IGNORED. Gave them access AGAIN to my computer for a LONG TIME. They said because I was disabled my husband could pick up the refund - I asked if it was cash - they said yes (the amt I pd was $170.00 - they were refunding me $300.00 - even tho I told them it was more than I paid) They called when husband came home from work - he said this is a scam - and I argued with him. They said they returned the money to my checking account. To look and see - I looked and immediately saw $3000 gone from my savings - they had transferred it to my checking account. They asked if I saw the $3000 deposited to my account. I said nooooooooo I see that you transferred from my savings and they were trying to steal my money - they asked why would they do that? I said because you are thieves - MANY times during my questions they would say don't worry about it maam - they said this again and I said you are not getting my money and turned off my computer (hoping to unable them to stay in my account and attached to my computer in any way. Right away I got a call from a private # - didn't answer it. My answering maching says if you are calling from unidentifiable # I won't answer the phone - if you want to talk to me leave a message or delete your blockage. I heard the guy talking to somebody telling him what the message said. He was apparently told to hang up.I went back to my CU account and immediately transferred the money back to my savings. I figured the reason they transferred it was because they had no link to my savings. Anyway then I called my CU and had everything fixed before they got my money. I thank God for this :) I wish everybody that are trying to be scammed that they don't let anybody into your computer.
Victim Location NJ 08731, USA
Type of a scam Tech Support
Victim Location NJ 08822, USA
Type of a scam Tech Support
Country United States
Victim Location MN 55417, USA
Type of a scam Tech Support