888-826-9666

Tech Support scam . Do not answer. Immediately block

Tech scam re your computer.  Hang up or do not answer.

I took this call from a ‘windows technician’ saying that our license is expired and leaving us vulnerable to threats, and that I need to run his script. I told him I can’t help him out unless I can call him back and have confirmed that it isn’t a scam. This is what he provided:

•    Name: Jack Anderson (very heavy Indian accent)
•    Tel: 1-888-826-9666
•    Calling from: windows technical department, Los Angeles
•    Microsoft tech ID: ms@1463770
•    Computer license security ID: 888dc860

Obviously its all fabricated from a scammer, since they are the ONLY ones that cold call people. I guess this is as good as any place for some information.

Fact:

• ANYONE who calls you and says your computer called/contacted them is a SCAMMER.
• ANY Tech Support Warning pop-ups you get while accessing the internet asking you to call a number or visit a website, is from a SCAMMER.
• Web Browsers DO NOT have the ability to determine and warn you your computer has an error. They can only warn you about a potential malicious website. A Browser is software that allows you to surf the Internet, not diagnose a computer or phone.
• ANY Tech Support company that insists you need their services because of some error, outdated software or tries to convince you that you need to allow them remote access is a SCAMMER.

Never trust a caller who wants to "help your computer" for any reason (unless you contacted them first), as they are only going to scam you. If you need Tech Support, you should contact a reputable  service YOU find and not trust a stranger who called.

Protect your privacy on the internet:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4091455

Message from Microsoft:

Quote:

Remember, Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support. Any communication we have with you must be initiated by you.

Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories, so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you're using.

Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a legitimate website (such as www.ammyy.com) to install Remote Access software that will let them access your computer to pretend to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information are vulnerable.

Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information. Do not allow them access.

Here is more information on what to look out for with telephone and web pop-up scams and how to report them:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

Microsoft's fight against the scammers:
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/201 ... -support-scams/

Quote:

From Microsoft:
If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from Microsoft and felt it was a scam, you can help us stop these fraudsters by reporting all information about your interaction with them.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/reportascam/

Tech Support Pop Up scam:

Most popups are generated from an Ad on an unsuspecting website and can be closed by end tasking the Browser, if it won't close by trying to close the tab/window. They can be removed by clearing the Cache and History, then restarting the Browser with an Ad Blocker turned on. If your Browser doesn't have one built-in, you might look to see if it supports a Browser Extension Ad Blocker.
If that didn't work and your still getting pop ups, you might have a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) that triggers a popup window.
You can try this site to help remove the PUP:
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/

TrendMicro FAQ on Tech Support Scams

technician called name Christy Williams
do not trust
scammed for $499
hang up on them