Microsoft combats tech support scammers with lawsuit

I still wonder to this day why a Ham Radio Operator requires licensing by the FCC, and someone with a computer accessing the Internet, with FAR wider reach, requires absolutely ZERO licensing.

That being said, I think that Federal agents should be tracking down these hack scammers, no matter WHAT nation in which they reside, and ouble-tapping them.  ESPECIALLY the scum behind iYogi, PC Optimizer Pro, Conduit, SearchProtect, and BrowserSafeguard.

Good point.  I think this is a case of law trying to catch-up to technology.

This is good news as many of us have found it very difficult to get the actual identity of the malware scammers. And the scammers almost always start out with "Windows Technical Support" or Microsoft Tech Support," so they are damaging the MS name.

Well, I hat eto say it, but they almost got me.  How?  I had a Tracfone issue.  Their website requires endless searching for an 800 number.  I Googled Tracfone customer service and got an 800 number:  (800)982-1678 and they ID'd themselves as Tracfone.  They told me a yarn about a security breach, and I thought my Tracfone account was affected since my svc was compromised, so it was kind of believable, BUT the fix was to get a Level 7 Microsoft Certified Security Expert to .....(drum roll).....fix my PC.  I hung up and called with an ATT complaint (I dont sucscribe to ATT) and of course they verified they were indeed ATT Customer Svc.

My point is that they exploit people in real need of help.  I tracked them down to their house, called a local TV station hoping they would pounce on this scoop.  Their pathetic response was to "be careful".  Then I realized:  Crime pays.  No one cares.  Hopefully, sites like these will expose these miscreant low lifes.

Cheers!

Who did you "track down"? What phone number did you track? Do you realize you might have been accusing an innocent person, whose number was faked on your caller ID?

That's beside the point: You should report this in the general forum, under the phone number you are referring to, so that others can see it.

Here is the thread for the number in question.
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-982-1678

What a pity it would be if we stop getting calls from these Maadher chod's, the low-life of Madras, New Delhi, Calcutta, etc.

Put this bookmark on your toolbar, for quick access:

http://www.hindilearner.com/hindi_bad_words.html

When the Sala Kuttaa with the Indian accent calls, just bring up that Web page of Hindi obscenities.

First 'attempt' at the result of the Control-Microsoft key-combo (or whatever it was), he asked what was on my screen:

"Error 87: Apni ma ko ja choos" I told him, spelling out the 'message' that I "did not understand' (which refers to his sexual proclivities with his mother).

He told me to close any open windows and try again.  This time I made up

"Error 52: Sala Kuttaa", again spelling out the 'error message'.

I think he must have understood Hindi because he was pretty upset after the third such 'error message'...

"Error 602: Teri ma gandi rundi"

(All the computers in this house run LINUX but I wouldn't want to tell him that and spoil the fun!)

'Just got a call from "35-987-1187" ---  "Microsoft Technical Support" (with a strong Indian accent   :)   ).

After three of the concocted "Error Messages" (selected from Hindi obscenities), he was obviously a Hindi speaker and obviously upset.  I consoled him with "I knew you would have fun.  Thank you for calling.", and hung up.

'Still haven't figured out how they keep getting Microsoft error messages from this LINUX computer   ;)     .

They call about my computer "generating error messages" so I give them the Hindi "error messages".  Why are they upset?

Unfortunately there are people holding an amateur radio license that do not follow the rules.

I received calls from 3 numbers  11 519 728 9405, 813 555-0100, 11 519 728 6205, They identified themselves from Verizon stating my computer has defected microsoft files and asked if i was near my computer. I suspected something when the number had 11 in front of it and the person had a foreign accident.  I told them i don't have verizon service and they said they know, and said they are contracted by microsoft to maintain the programs and my has defected files. (I never heard of a cell phone company maintaining programs for software) 1st time i asked for their name and number and they hung up because i was going to call my internet service, 2nd call they gave me the same speech and told me to get on my computer so they could show me the defected files,  I told them i was not going to do that.  .He indicated he has my info from my computer registration I sent in.  I told him not to call me anymore and hung up.  I blocked the call but as you can see they have numerous numbers they call from.  If you don't answer, they don't leave a message (naturally)  so far they have called 3-4x a day with new numbers.  Beware!

So exactly how does your post relate to the title of this thread?

Thank you, Microsoft---I have had so many [ about 50] calls saying my computer was infected.  Have had 2 calls today---using different phone numbers.  I have filed a complaint with the FTC.

Most if not all of the "your computer is infected" calls come from outside the US, out of reach of US law enforcement.  The FTC can't stop them.  You need a call blocker.

For a land line a call blocker is a programmable electronic box that plugs into the phone line between the phone and the wall.  It also needs an electric outlet.  You can buy one on line or at Best Buy for about $50.

For a smart phone a call blocker is an app.  It might come pre-installed on your phone or you can download one.  For a simple cell phone ask your carrier.  Or put the pest in your contacts list and give them the ring tone "no ring" or "silence".  That won't stop the calls but it will make them easier to ignore.

I wish I had known about this company last year.  They assured me they could fix my computer.  Instead, they lost my Kindle books and my Zune music.  I gave them a credit card number.  After three days of not fixing the problem and finding the problems they caused, I informed my credit card not to pay them.  They selected small portions of our chats to try to support their claim.  I responded with my losses and the full extent of our chats.  I haven't heard from them since.

Ham operators are required to have licenses because the operation of their equipment might adversely affect the use of the radio spectrum by other licensees. Ham operators are allowed to build and operate equipment in ways other licensees are not, thus the tests and restrictions.

Access to the radio spectrum can be done with very simple electronics, schematics are widely available. Poor as well as intentional design and contruction can cause interference with others who use the radio spectrum. Usually this kind of interference is local and many resources are available to track down the offender (in the USA).

The internet is not like the radio spectrum.  Access to the Internet requires computer equipment, and those who do evil either require ignorance of who they connect by (registrars like Enom and GoDaddy that don't do "know your customer" verifications) or the complicity of ISPs, like the Russian Business Network in Russia.

The ignorance of computer users that connect to the Internet isn't a justification for requiring licensing, not when large businesses and government agencies get hacked and THEY have people who have the education, experience, certs, and sometimes security clearances that makes them appear to be "ahead of the game".