949-478-0968

Peter Jennings from TechOMania 24X7 called to say that my PC had been infected and would probably crash as a result.  Wanted to sell me a one-time minimal fee (159) internet security plan to clean and protect computer.

How would they know if your computer was infected?  The answer is, they wouldn't.  Another scam call - never give a cold caller access to your computer - you'll end up not only out the money you pay to get a bricks and mortar computer tech to fix the computer, but also have any personal info on the computer stolen.  Microsoft has more information on this scam:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

Got a call from this phone number,wanted me to get on the computer to "fix" my problem. After trying to understand the call,got their phone number. This guy had a definite accent and was hard to understand. Finally hung up,not accessing the computer for him and looked this number on my iPad. Is this a scam?

Yes, it is a scam.

The caller tells you they will disinfect your computer at a very reasonable price. After (or, sometimes, before) you send the money, they tell you to click on some buttons and links, so they can disinfect your computer. However, if you do that, you give the scammer full access to your computer, and they will do nasty things, such as steal your card or bank data (if you had it on your computer), steal your contact list, and send friends phony emails. Needless to say, if you sent money, it is gone. If you gave THEM your card number, consider contacting your card issuer!

Received a call from (949) 478-0968 regarding my "Windows'based" computer.  They stated I was a registered user and there were problems with my computer to include virus-related issues, software issues and printer problems.  I asked them how they got my information and phone number as I am on a do not call list.  I asked for their number and they gave me the above-referenced number.  I would not divulge any information or give them access to my computer.  Subsequently, I called them back for additional information as to where they were located and they stated "Newport Beach, CA."  I asked for the company name and they stated "TECH MAESTRO."  When I told them I was not the owner of the computer (and named a state law enforcement agency) they hung up on me.  I called back and stated I was disconnected and asked them for their CA business license and they stated they were a "Global Service and Support Company for Windows."  I then asked for their Federal Tax ID # so I could provide it to my company for verification before I could grant them access to the computer and also asked for their business address at which time they became very belligerent and stated they do not provide their personal information.  BE VERY WARY OF THIS SCAM!!!!!!  If the company will not share their information, please do not share yours.  

They advised they were calling as I have windows 7 and a survey in my are discovered problems etc. company name was technaestro24x7. Both Robbie and Peter called at least 5 times in 2 days. I placed the phone against the tv and syed them american idol result show until they hung up. The last time Robbie called I asked him what show he would prefer to listen too, lol, he gave up for now!

I received a call from Hanson Williams of TechMaestro 24/7 stating that his company was an authorized service representative for Windows and Microsoft and that they had been alerted to the fact that my computer had probably been infected with multiple viruses and/or malware.  They wanted access to my computer so they could run an antivirus program to disinfect my computer (for a mere $159), but they have been reported many times as a fraudulent company probably involved in identify fraud and the installation of malware.  I called Apple and my internet service provider, and they told me that everything Hanson Williams and Marcus (second, more insistent caller) told me was completely untrue. They are incredibly persistent and will call back endlessly, so that I ultimately had to disconnect my answering machine to stop the calls.  Hanson told me he would lose his job if I didn't pay for this service, but last night - two months after the first series of calls - he called again, still [un]gainfully employed by TechMaestro 24/7 (previously known as TechMania 24/7 and probably many other names).  If they call you, note everything they tell you including names and phone numbers and then file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ or
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action and then call your ISP to alert them to the scam.
The phone number he gave me was (949) 478-0968 x209, and he would not say where he was located, but, despite the name he provides, he is clearly calling from India.  Apparently Bombay is a known center for this sort of internet fraud.  Do NOT give these people any personal information! This is a total scam, and they prey on the uninformed and unwary.

These people must think we are absolute idiots!  They pitched their product to me last fall and failed, so after many other calls, last night they called to tell me that they had to close their previous company (TechMaestro, formerly TechMania and who knows how many other names) and wanted to issue refunds to any other their previous customers now that they had reopened (conveniently, under a new name - one of several name changes they have undergone).  Again, a scam - I never paid them anything, and they were just fishing for a credit card number and/or any personal information they could exploit.  They are just relentless!  They give out phantom phone numbers, email addresses with domain names that disappear every few months, etc.  If they weren't thieves and con men, it would almost be funny.