Scam??

[jsmith948]

Just wanted to offer a 'heads up' to everyone. Just got off the phone with a lady who purported to be from Microsoft. She tried to tell me (middle eastern or eastern european - Peggy? - accent) that our computer had downloaded a virus from a global server. I was not able to understand the name of the server. I wanted to learn more, but, when I pressed her as to where she was calling from and how I might verify who she was representing, she ended the call. The caller ID simply said 'out of area'. Don't know if this was an attempted scam or not - just an FYI

[Andymon]

Scam..

I don't think Microsoft would call about that. If you indeed had a virus then your anti-virus software should pick it up. Plus, if there was a Microsoft problem the you would get an update of a security patch.

[hankpage]

I received the same call a few weeks ago. She, "Peggy", said they had been getting reports from my computer on a virus. I started asking questions like , what OS I was using and which computer??? She made some lame excuses as to why she did not know but when I asked if "Peggy" was short for Margret, there was silence and she hung up. I wish I could have keep her on long enough to figure what the scam was.

[f6bits]

My first guess would be that they're trying to get your credit card number claiming that they would fix your computer.
A distant second guess would be that they wanted you to download some malware.

[Murphsmom]

Microsoft does not call customers to let them know there are problems with a computer. End of story. The Better Business Bureau has been warning people not to even listen to these calls. Just hang up.

[Festus2]

A friend of mine forked out over $200 to "Microsoft" for a non-existent virus fix. As mentioned above, Microsoft does not call to inform users of viruses or bugs. It's a common scam. Ignore it.

[crash]

Thanks for the info.

[Abnormal]

Microsoft never makes unsolicited calls. These people have called my house many times and they always use the same tactics. Hanging up is the best policy.
This is the official guidance on the issue. http://www.microsoft.com/security/on...one-scams.aspx

[Lost]

These types of scams are very common NEVER NEVER give out your personal info. You have no clue who your talking to. If you think it's a legitimate call then before you even talk to them get their phone number and company name and check them out. Chances are they will just hang up on you. If you find out it is a legitimate call then you call them.

[CUFFS054]

My favorite one was the "Red Screen of Death" that locked up my computer because the FBI had been monitoring my searches for child porn. To fix simple click here and send us $300.00! I went into programs and got rid of it. So far no FBI.

[GaryWT]

My phone does not get answered if I do not know who is call so out of area, unavailable or a state name and number etc goes unanswered. If it is important they will leave a message.

[outwest]

I usually hang up on these ppl but have been know to say things like "computer? I dont have one of those" or to chatter at them in spanish