Phishing calls from 01114 about Windows

MoRT489 · 15 Jun 2010 at 13:48

My mum has received a number of calls over the last couple of days from someone at this number (revealed using 1471) claiming that there is a problem with her computer! Unfortunately I haven't been round when she's had the call so couldn't give the person the wind up. Needless to say she tells them to go away and hangs up but they are very persistent!!

Anyone else getting calls like this and if so know where it originates and how to block/report it?

Dano · 15 Jun 2010 at 13:53

Virtual PC Doctor, it's a scam. They'll ask to do a few basic tests usually involving looking for errors in computer management or by using a command prompt to list the contents of the temp folder while making you believe they're viruses, then they'll ask for payment to connect via logmein so they can 'clean' the system. They'll either leave it at that or install their own malware to bleed you dry.

Dark_Angel · 15 Jun 2010 at 14:07

Dano said:
Virtual PC Doctor, it's a scam. They'll ask to do a few basic tests usually involving looking for errors in computer management or by using a command prompt to list the contents of the temp folder while making you believe they're viruses, then they'll ask for payment to connect via logmein so they can 'clean' the system. They'll either leave it at that or install their own malware to bleed you dry.

This.

In other words, it's a trap.

How they get away with it though amazes me.

gord · 15 Jun 2010 at 14:09

My parents were telling me about these calls. I told them to ignore them and then I managed to pick one up. To be fair to the Indian guy on the other end, he lasted about 4 minutes.. I would say that's pretty good endurance.

Dark_Angel · 15 Jun 2010 at 14:09

gord said:
My parents were telling me about these calls. I told them to ignore them and then I managed to pick one up. To be fair to the Indian guy on the other end, he lasted about 4 minutes.. I would say that's pretty good endurance.

gord · 15 Jun 2010 at 14:31

Dark_Angel said:

I'm a linguistic devil.. you'd last 2 mins max.

Dark_Angel · 15 Jun 2010 at 14:42

gord said:
I'm a linguistic devil.. you'd last 2 mins max.

Lies.

oddjob62 · 15 Jun 2010 at 14:50

My old man got a call from them the other day. He laughed and hung up.

eatcustard · 15 Jun 2010 at 15:44

Play them along
Then tell them you have a Mac

Duke · 15 Jun 2010 at 16:34

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18140291

gord · 15 Jun 2010 at 17:10

eatcustard said:
Play them along
Then tell them you have a Mac

I wish I could remember what mine asked. All I do remember is that they called about midday on a Sunday.. and in our house.. any unsolicited call is a no-no.. but any unsolicited call on a Sunday is a NO-NO!!