That opening line, or something like it, has greeted my ears many times in the last few months. If you should get such a call, please remember that Windows would not be calling anyone – Microsoft maybe, but not “Windows”.
I take that back, unsolicited calls from Microsoft would be really, really rare.
The aim of the calls is to gain access to your PC under the guise of correcting some issue so grievous that it has come to the attention of the Behemoth of Redmond, Microsoft. It is a simple matter of you visiting a website and downloading and running a small program and then giving them permission.
Once you allow them in with “remote control” software, they pretty much could do anything to your PC. They might not do anything to it. They might collect data – your documents, spreadsheets, your web browsing history and cookies (and perhaps that document you created with all your passwords and vital information like Social Security number, Drivers License number, date of birth, passport number, bank account numbers and PIN’s….if you are brave enough to keep such a file on your system). Sooner or later they will find “the problem” they will be able to correct – for a fee. Security certificate (whatever the heck that is!), software license key, whatever they think will convince you that you have been the victim of malware or a hacker and get you to submit a payment to them to correct this terrible problem. Lucky for you they are on the job to save your bacon!
I recognized the ploy right away and have toyed with the vermin several times. If I am idle and bored, taking up the time of a fraudster/predator/con artist/thief seems somehow a service to my fellow man. Which of my computers is infected? What IP address is it on? IS the computer on right now? Don’t know? Goodbye!
What sort of person could do this to another? Maybe a person not so different from the one who thinks it’s OK to “pirate” (steal) a copy of a program or music. It’s simply a matter of degree, both are dishonest acts, one simply “more” dishonest than the other. Perhaps the caller is not of our culture – in one religion in particular, non-believers are not considered as human and deception, abuse and even death to the infidels is not only encouraged but mandated. Hmmmm, what was that accent he spoke with? Could it be?
INCOMING!
Still it’s possible that very intelligent and tech savvy types might be fooled. Given the correct circumstances might it be you? You don’t have to be a victim, simply refuse to accept any incoming call as valid until a reasonable and understandable explanation is given, and NEVER let anyone you do not know operate your computer remotely. If there is any doubt, SAY NO!
If you went to a website or you called for support, and the rep wants to remote control your system to resolve that problem, it’s probably safe. If a support rep wants to clean up your computer for you, especially for a fee, I would pass. If someone claiming to be from “Windows” or Microsoft or your computer maker called you out of the blue, no remote control. Period. Think! How would they know how to call you, how would they know you needed help? Have you ever sat on hold for a long time trying to get support? If these big companies are so under-supporting customer calls, how would they ever hire enough employees to call customers that have not called in? Does the conversation seem like the normal support call? Did they give you a name? Did they confirm a call back number? Did they give you their number? Did they verify your serial number? Never volunteer these types of info to a caller, make them say them and you can confirm correct info or hang up!
If someone calls me for support I often use a tool I have purchased called TeamViewer to remotely access their computer to address problems. They called me and either know me or had a trusted recommendation to call me. A client who is new to me should be wary, but they can see my website and I can give them a callback number and references. I am legitimate and have no problems with building trust in these ways.
So, “just say no” to incoming callers who claim to be from “Windows”, to callers who tell you your computer is infected, and anyone you did not call (and I mean “this” time) who wants to remotely control your system!
WatchingInAwe 
Leave a comment