Scam Alerts!

[Linus]

I figured it may be worthwhile to start a thread on things to watch for. This include weird emails asking for passwords, offering free money (no one gives any money, especially from Nigeria), and the like.


Today's scam warning is this:

Phone call scam: Windows is infected!

So I just got this one. I've had this happen to me before and I suspect it is because Dell's registration system got compromised a while ago. Basically, the caller (who speaks very, very poor english and has a script that they work from) says that they have detected that your system is infected (his words were "infected with evil software"). Even when I've told him that I've used Mac he'll insist that they can be infected as well (not true; to date there exists no cross-platform virus).

Microsoft, Dell and other computer vendors will NOT call you to let you know you are infected. They will not email you either. You have to be proactive in this regards (this is because there are far too many users out there for them to monitor).

Best way to deal with it: Get their phone number and contact the better business bureau or Department of Consumer Affairs (or whatever the equivalent is in your state/province) to file a complaint. Then ask your phone provider to block them.

if you want to have fun, you can let the caller know that you will be notifying the FBI, local police and ask for their manager. When I threatened to do this, the guy called me a "bastard", laughed and then hung up.

[deb_U_taunt]

http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/internet_fraud

[deb_U_taunt]

Other basics:

If a work from home opportunity requires you to open an account at a particular bank, you are being used as a money mule. (this also applies to sweetheart scams and online purchases)

If you receive a phone call, do a google search of the number. Yes, phone numbers can be spoofed, but most of the time the fraudster doesn't bother.

This sounds like basic common sense, but I am always amazed at how many people will reply to emails from what they think is their bank/credit card company/family member and give out personal and banking information.

Never rent from someone you have never met in person. They are not on a church mission or in the military.

I could go on and on. This is my work life.

OH

and delete emails, if you are hacked this is where the fraudster can get a lot of personal information.

Download GOOD virus protection, such a Trusteer. (which is free)

[Inked_Trinity]

When selling something on Craigs List...........NEVER respond to someone wanting to buy anything sight unseen and requesting your PayPal info! I had this recently happen when trying to sell a Harley.

[Toughy]

Those Microsoft people....repair center......have been trying to get me to log on to my computer at home so they can 'fix the problem' for over a year. If you ask to speak to a supervisor they tell you the supervisor is busy and then start the script all over. I told them 'my momma didn't raise a fool' and no 'I have never registered a PC with anyone, anywhere, at any address.....that makes them stutter for a minute, then the script.....I also ask them where they got my phone number and they hang up......laughin.....And they never ever have my have my first name right.....

The phone number they call from changes every time they call.....and if you call that number you get nothing.....

Originally Posted by Linus

I figured it may be worthwhile to start a thread on things to watch for. This include weird emails asking for passwords, offering free money (no one gives any money, especially from Nigeria), and the like.


Today's scam warning is this:

Phone call scam: Windows is infected!

So I just got this one. I've had this happen to me before and I suspect it is because Dell's registration system got compromised a while ago. Basically, the caller (who speaks very, very poor english and has a script that they work from) says that they have detected that your system is infected (his words were "infected with evil software"). Even when I've told him that I've used Mac he'll insist that they can be infected as well (not true; to date there exists no cross-platform virus).

Microsoft, Dell and other computer vendors will NOT call you to let you know you are infected. They will not email you either. You have to be proactive in this regards (this is because there are far too many users out there for them to monitor).

Best way to deal with it: Get their phone number and contact the better business bureau or Department of Consumer Affairs (or whatever the equivalent is in your state/province) to file a complaint. Then ask your phone provider to block them.

if you want to have fun, you can let the caller know that you will be notifying the FBI, local police and ask for their manager. When I threatened to do this, the guy called me a "bastard", laughed and then hung up.

[watersoilair]

I posted a camera on Craigslist once and got an email offering more than I was asking.I thought, yes!, this is awesome, so I replied. Then they sent an email asking me to send a money order first to confirm that they'd be able to securely send one back.

Scam! I threatened to report to authorities and never heard back.

[Queenie]

I started getting this one a few years ago. The fist time it happened, I found it really funny because at the time I had an old apple computer. And the day they called my old apple was dead! So, I didn't even have a working computer! Once I realized it was a scam I hanged up on the person.
A few months passed and it happened again. I laughed at the person and hanged up on them.
Luckily I don't get these sorts of calls any longer. What got me and my husband was, what if you are old or have mental problems you might believe everything they are saying. And that is what is so scary about it all.

Originally Posted by Linus

Today's scam warning is this:

Phone call scam: Windows is infected!

So I just got this one. I've had this happen to me before and I suspect it is because Dell's registration system got compromised a while ago. Basically, the caller (who speaks very, very poor english and has a script that they work from) says that they have detected that your system is infected (his words were "infected with evil software"). Even when I've told him that I've used Mac he'll insist that they can be infected as well (not true; to date there exists no cross-platform virus).

Microsoft, Dell and other computer vendors will NOT call you to let you know you are infected. They will not email you either. You have to be proactive in this regards (this is because there are far too many users out there for them to monitor).

Best way to deal with it: Get their phone number and contact the better business bureau or Department of Consumer Affairs (or whatever the equivalent is in your state/province) to file a complaint. Then ask your phone provider to block them.

if you want to have fun, you can let the caller know that you will be notifying the FBI, local police and ask for their manager. When I threatened to do this, the guy called me a "bastard", laughed and then hung up.