Myself, I started getting these calls sometime last year and have received two where I have actually talked to someone on the other end and when I see the number (several times a day since then) I just don't answer. My first experience was somewhat frustrating and it went a little like this:
"Good morning ma'am, Is this Ms. Martin?"
"Yes, who is calling please?"
"This is Sanjay from Microsoft Support calling to inform you that we have received a report that you have a virus on your computer."
"How do you know that?"
"We have received a report from Microsoft stating that you recently experienced a problem with your computer and it was due to a virus."
"That's interesting because I have anti-virus software and I don't recall any pop-up stating I had a virus on my computer?"
"Well, we have a report here and the security of your data is compromised unless you allow us to remove it".
"What if I don't want you to have access to my computer?"
... man on phone starts to get angry at this point...
"Well, if your computer crashes that will be your fault then won't it?"
"You must think you phoned a stupid woman or something don't you? First of all, I don't know what country you're phoning from, but I'll bet you're from somewhere in Pakistan, or India and probably a spy or something."
....man on the phone starts to get VERY angry at this point and starts yelling at me.....
"yelling, yelling, yelling...etc..."
"Why are you yelling at me, do you think I'm just going to give you my personal information, access to my computer, because you say so? You're running a scam and I'm going to report you to the RCMP".
*CLICK*
The second time they called, I told them I had a Mac and they promptly hung up.
Someday I am moving and will get an unlisted number, but for now, I'll just ignore them. Below, however are some of the priceless comments made on the Herald article... Enjoy!
IpL
I got about 20 of these calls, of course they were frauds.
I finally discovered if I told them I did not have a computer and therefore they could not say my ip address was sending out my personal info.....they stopped calling.
Either that or tell them they have contacted the US military and a drone will be visiting them soon.
I finally discovered if I told them I did not have a computer and therefore they could not say my ip address was sending out my personal info.....they stopped calling.
Either that or tell them they have contacted the US military and a drone will be visiting them soon.
NyQuill
be polite to them for a bit, then just start talking dirty to them....i mean REALLY DIRTY. you know, ask them what they are wearing, what certain parts of their anatomy look like. I have recorded one or two and played it back at parties, it makes for a good laugh.
Grimas
Get a whistle and blow it in their ear.
anon226341487
I play games with them, ranting and raving how they broke my computer the previous time they called.
chuckleberry
I get these calls every few weeks. They seem to be baffled when I can't find my C-drive, Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer for that matter. They switch to Mac- mode, but then I can't find Safari either. Sooner or later they realize I'm running Ubuntu Linux & they give up. Dropping Microsoft & switching to Ubuntu was probably the smartest thing I've ever done in 26 years of computing . And it was free.
anon733879405
If someone calls you that shouldn't ask them to please hold on a minute. Set down the phone and go watch some TV. At least you can get back at them by wasting their time and perhaps run up their phone bill.
nvrundrestm8
I said "computer, what is a computer?" and haven't gotten a call since.
anon570989965
I love these calls. I try and extend them for as long as possible (okay, so I have no life). My wife listens to what I am saying and roars. I once had a guy convinced I had someone chained up in my basement. Ahhhh, good times.
Keen_Man
My favorite thing to do is say WOW really? OMG I better get to the PC!!! one moment
then set down the phone and keep doing whatever till I hear the beep beep beep. At least make them pay some long distance
then set down the phone and keep doing whatever till I hear the beep beep beep. At least make them pay some long distance
For more information from Microsoft themselves regarding phone scams, visit their website here:http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
