Avoid Phone Scams.(<--- link)


Phone SCAM  ...  caller 'claiming' to be from Microsoft.  
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Support Department, stating that you have errors and they can help you clean them up.  Just say you're not interested!  Microsoft would never call you like this..  ask where they got the phone number from?  This scam went around Australia last year and have heard of an instance of some one I know, that got this call.  Be cautious and do not give them access to your computer, or any private information.




Read the above link for the Microsoft article for full details.

 -----  Taken from the Microsoft web site ----

Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information.
Here are some of the organizations that cybercriminals claim to be from:

• Windows Helpdesk
• Windows Service Center
• Microsoft Tech Support
• Microsoft Support
• Windows Technical Department Support Group
• Microsoft Research and Development Team (Microsoft R & D Team)

Report phone scams

Learn about how to report phone fraud in the United States. Outside of the US, contact your local authorities.

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If you receive calls like this and don't trust them... Tell them you have a MAC and are no longer running Windows..  see what they say then.. (LOL).. or just hang up.

  ---  The following taken from  MS Australia web page ---

22 March 2011, Sydney, Australia

(thought this was good information to share with you.)



Warning signs

• You receive a scam call out of the blue claiming to be from a large computer company or brand or legitimate technical service provider or support service claiming there is a problem with your computer.
• They will request remote access to your computer and if you say yes will run a ‘scan’ that shows up a fake virus.
• The scammer will pressure you into buying unnecessary software or a service to ‘fix’ the computer.
• The scammer may be very persistent and use abusive or inappropriate language.
• The scammers may sound professional and knowledgeable.
• If you fall victim to the scam you may receive a follow up call falsely claiming to be from an overseas government or law enforcement body pretending they can recover the money you initially lost to the scam – Beware this is another scam!

Protect yourself

• If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer system’s security status and requesting remote access - hang up – even if they mention a well-known company or product.
• NEVER give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
• If you have given remote access to your computer, or you fear that your computer has been hacked, seek out help or advice from a qualified and reputable computer technician.
• Do not give out your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
• Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall - but research first and only purchase the software from a source that you know and trust.
• If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls consider changing your email address and phone numbers.
• If you are considering providing your details to a company, read their privacy policy/terms and conditions first. If you do not agree with how they will use your details, do not provide them.
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

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Lastly... a funny YouTube video where they have the "MS Support Department " on the phone....   

Always, always, always be wary of any unsolicited calls where people want personal information or to gain access to your computer.