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Mr C
Average Member
United Kingdom
63 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Feb 2011 : 20:15:08
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I had a phonecall today from someone claiming to be a microsoft engineer, who proceeded to tell me that my computer "was at serious risk from malicious malware and viruses every time I connected to the internet".
I explained that I had adequate virus software and was OK but he told me that it wouldn't stop these new problems and I needed to follow his instructions immediately "to save my computer from being damaged permanently"
I realised at this point it was some sort of scam but played along to find out what they were after.
He wanted me to go to the start menu, click 'run' and type 'eventvwr' into the box. If you do this it will show lots of information about the computer, including lots of 'error messages' which you will then be told are very dangerous - THEY ARE NOT!!
They will then try and get you to download some software to allow them to access your computer remotely, and then tell you that you need to sign up to their technician service to keep all your files and photos safe. This is where they can get hold of your credit card details etc.
DO NOT FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS - IT IS A SCAM.
This scam has been around in Australia for over a year now.
The following link has more information about it:
http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/forum/loose-bits-off-topic/438258-warning-windows-event-viewer-phishing-scam-aka-eventvwr-phone-scam.html
Please don't get caught by this - they do sound quite genuine, have a lot of information about you and use lots of technical language to try and confuse you.
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Rob
Average Member
44 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 07:57:59
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| My friend got a call from these guys, lucky he did not fall for it. |
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wigit
Junior Member
21 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 09:51:21
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| We got this call yesterday but from a lady, BEWARE. |
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Karl@KCM
Senior Member
United Kingdom
169 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 10:01:34
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This has been going on for a while now, I've had to try to explain to family and friends for a while now, that microsoft 'wont' just ring you out of the blue to tell you your computer is infected. The problem is it feeds on people not knowing enough about computers to know whether or not they are infected.
The other favourite of these nasties is the pop-up advert that tells you your computer is infected, and to download their software to remove virii and trojans, for a price. then again they immediately have your credit card details. |
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uskoks
Average Member
United Kingdom
74 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2011 : 10:47:05
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| Being a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer I wish they'd phone me up lol |
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