We all get them. Cold calls flogging double glazing, insurance, charity events and surveys (that will only take a few moments, but actually take 30 minutes). And then there are the scams.
These are the most sinister as they prey on people who have a trusting nature, are unfamiliar with the workings of their computers, or are old and vulnerable. It is preying on this latter group that upsets me most.
I had a couple of calls recently perporting to be from 'The Windows Technical Department'. They told me that they had detected a problem with my computer and that they would, free of charge, fix the problem over the phone. They then set about giving precise instuctions on what keys to press etc in order to gain access to your computer with the intension of ripping me off.
Needless to say I was aware of this scam and resisited. But to have a bit of personal fun I recorded this encounter with, I assume, an Indian call center or it could have been a shed in Mumbai.
I play the part of the vulnerabel, slightly out of it, old man and a little later, his son. Anyway this is how to deal with these internet crooks...
The scumbags tried it on with me a few weeks back.
Here's the official stance from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
Posted by: David Airey | February 28, 2012 at 09:23 AM
fantastic!
Posted by: michael gillette | March 08, 2012 at 05:10 PM
I usually thank them for ringing because my sash windows are a bit sticky and need fixing. Could I have an estimate please. Will the whole window have to be replaced etc. Another good one if you have time is to put on a PC Plod type voice and ask how they know the person they are calling because he was murdered that very morning and they might be a suspect. Usually puts them off.
Posted by: will atkinson | March 09, 2012 at 08:54 AM