BS: Microsoft error reports

Subject: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: Wheatman
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 06:12 PM

We have been getting a number of cold calls (at least 3 a week) from a computer software company I think based in Luton UK. Their operators all have an Indian accents. They ask if we operate Microsoft systems and tell me that Microsoft have been inundated with error messages sent, it seems from my computer. The first time they called I thought they were Microsoft and entered into a dialogue and they indicated , by linking to my computer, a large amount of error messages. They wanted me to sign up for their clean up programme and wanted me to pay £70 a year to have this done. When they ring now I ask for their telephone number and ask how they got my number, both questions they side step and their diction is so bad I cannot work out the name of the company. The will only say do you operate Microsoft systems and eventually hang up when I badger them for more info. I am not so much worried about the company as I can just put the phone down but I am concerned if there is a fault in my system and it should be corrected. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 06:28 PM

Oh dear, this is a scam, and there were no problems with your computer. But now you've let these people take control of your computer by linking into it, they've probably done all sorts while there, such as scanning information etc. I do hope they haven't got any confidential info from it. Maybe there are now innumerable viruses too. Better get some technical help to protect yourself, and check exactly what they've done to your private data. Oh dear!

Subject: RE: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 06:35 PM

You can read an article about this scan in the Guardian, 18th July 2010. (Google Indian Computer scams)

Subject: RE: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: gnomad
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 07:05 PM

Looks like a scam. This thread may be helpful.

Subject: RE: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 07:52 PM

1. As soon as possible, go to Microsoft Safety Scanner, download the tool and run it.

There's a big button at the top of the page linked that says "Download Now" or in the top article there's a link at the bottom of the "Microsoft Safety Scanner" article.

This tool will identify most common infections that are running on significant numbers of computers running Microsoft Operating Systems, and will remove most things it finds.

2. No search or removal tool is perfect, so after scanning for the presence with the above tool you should go to Microsoft Malware Removal Tool, download and run that tool.

The Malware Removal Tool is even more specifically targeted at malware that has found to be among "the most common dangerous threats." There is significant overlap between the two scans, but there are enough differences that it's a good idea to run both of them if you have reason to believe you might be infected.

Since you have been sucked into a SCAM, you do have good reason to believe that your computer is infected.

Note that both of these scanners need frequent updates, just like any other protection software, so although you can download them to run later, or to run again later, you really need to get a new download of the latest version if the one you have is a week or more old.

3. It would be a good idea to get an independent scan for infections from one or more of the reputable Antimalware sellers. Nearly all offer "free scans" somewhere on their websites that you should find with a simple search. Nearly all that you're likely to recognize are reliable and safe to use, but all have some differences in what they detect. Generally, none of these free scans will remove anything, but you should be able to trust them if they tell you that there are significant threats on your computer. If they give you a name for something they find, you need to make a note of what it is so you can look for removal instructions specific to that threat.

Symantec (a.k.a. Norton), McAfee, Kaspersky or a few others would be good choices and you should be able to search fairly easily on their sites for appropriate scanners.

4. You should have antimalware protections on your computer that you trust enough to yell BULLSHIT any time you see a popup, embedded ad, or receive an email or phone call claiming that "You Might Be Infected;" but finding the one you can love and trust is about like finding a mate for your ugly stepsister (And the first one you think you found might be a serial killer). If you don't have reasonably good defenses now, you'll want to get started soon, since it ain't all that easy living a safe life – on the web or anywhere else.

NOBODY you don't know well EVER calls you on the telephone or sends you email "because they want to help you."

John

Subject: RE: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: Wheatman
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 05:13 AM

Thank you all for that information. At the original enquiry stage, I refused to disable my virus protection and fire wall. At that point they got shirty and their "supervisor" was called in. He hung up on me after a few sharp words. I don't think I have been infected but will take your advise and have my system checked over. Once again thank you.
Brian

Subject: RE: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: MikeL2
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 06:15 AM

Hi

Yes I got one of these and just screamed down the phone .........GO AWAY...or words to that effect.

No more since

Cheers

Mikel2

Subject: RE: BS: Microsoft error reports
From: scouse
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 09:04 AM

I had one a few weeks ago... I told the fellow that's rather strange.. 'cos I've go a Mac System he hung up very quick!!!

As Aye,

Phil