Yesterday morning I received a phone call from a gentleman claiming to be from Microsoft Tech Support. He informed me that their servers had received notification from my computer that my computer had been corrupted by some sort of malware or viruses that would render my computer unusable unless I allowed him to help me fix it. The call was from a Texas phone number and he had a very thick accent that was difficult to understand.

As you can imagine, I was immediately a little suspicious because he did not address me by name and did not tell me his name. He just immediately launched into his spiel when I answered the phone.

I was in my car and no where near my computer, but even if I had been, I would have done what I did next. I began asking him questions: What was my name? What kind of computer did I have? What was his name? What was the specific name of the malware or virus that was on my computer?

His reply? He hung up on me.

I immediately took to Facebook and posted the following:

POSSIBLE NEW COMPUTER SCAM ALERT: Just received a call from a Texas number from a guy (who would not give his name) who claimed to be part of Windows Tech Support. He said their servers had notified him that my computer was corrupted and if I would log on to it, he would walk me thru fixing it. When I began asking him questions about what kind of computer I had, what my name was, what his name was, what the alleged infection was, etc he hung up on me. Anyone else get these calls?

My friends were quick to respond, just as I knew they would because I have the most brilliant friends on the planet. Plus, crowdsourcing works. A number of my friends had received similar calls and responded in the same way I did. My cousin Elesha informed me that the Microsoft Tech Support Scam (aka Windows Tech Support Scam) was, in fact, a well documented scam and I could find more information about it on the Microsoft website. Kristin advised me to report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) because this is a serious matter that is being investigated. Janet provided the most comprehensive information about the scam with a link to an article from Wired.com, What happens if you play along with a Microsoft ‘tech support’ scam?

According to the article, the Microsoft Tech Support Scam has been around since 2008. For people who become victims of the scam, the caller walks them through a series of steps to “prove” their computer is filled with dangerous malware. It ends with the victim paying about $299 to the caller and then allowing the caller remote access to the victim’s computer. At this point, the caller installs malware and often deletes files (i.e., your documents, etc.) from the victim’s computer, which, of course, the victim can’t get back.

The author of the Wired.com article recorded the call he received and posted it on YouTube to warn others of the scam. The shocking video is below. It’s almost 30 minutes, but well worth watching.

I’m really grateful that I had the wherewithal to not fall for the Microsoft Tech Support Scam, but many people are falling for it. I imagine that the elderly, who are not as computer savvy, are especially susceptible.

What can you do if you receive this call?

1. Know that Microsoft would never call you.
2. Do not take any steps the caller suggests, ESPECIALLY allowing the caller to have remote access to your computer or giving out your passwords. No legitimate company will ever ask you for this information.
3. Hang up on the caller if the person gets abusive or asks for your personal information.
4. Make sure your phone number is on the National Do Not Call Registry and file a complaint there.
5. File another complaint at the FTC’s site for scams.

Here’s more information about the scam from the FTC.

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