Got a call from Windows Virus protection team .. They wanted to help me... Problem is I OWN A MAC .. Listen to the end .. FUNNY
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Handling a Scam Call
So, how should you deal with a scam call?
Well, the answer is simple: hang up.
Now, a lot of people – mostly those wise to the scam – think that the best way to deal with Windows tech support scammers is to keep them talking. By diverting the caller, leading them on by pretending you’re looking for the “error code” or installing their remote software, the thinking is that you’re stopping them (for a short time at least) from finding a less savvy victim. A common method (one I’ve used myself) is to omit to mention that you’re using Linux or Mac OS X, which naturally are not targeted by the scammers (between them, they account for just 11% of the computers currently online).
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While this approach makes sense, it isn’t without its dangers. The scammers are aggressive and pushy by nature, and have been known to be sleazy as well (a fact revealed by one of our readers). Throw in some threats by the scammers and unsubstantiated reports of violence and doxing against victims who called them out, and you see that it really isn’t worth stringing the scammers along.
Readers' Windows Tech Support Scam Stories
Readers' Windows Tech Support Scam Stories
The Windows Tech Support scam prevails. Little can be done to counter it, except to hang up. We have collected stories from our readers who engaged the scammers and their tales are obnoxious.
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Should you find yourself still talking, avoid sharing any personal information. And don’t go to the webpage that the scammer directs you to; certainly don’t install any software.
Hanging up, then, is the best option. If everybody simply ended the call as soon as the scammer’s voice reveals he or she is from Microsoft (the company probably doesn’t have your phone number, unless you’re an employee), then this would help push the scammers out of business far quicker.
Finally, make sure you tell people. Anyone and everyone – the more people who know about the scam, the greater the chance of it being abandoned by its perpetrators.
What If You Already Gave the Scammer Access to Your Computer?
Something that concerns a lot of people is the condition of their PC after the scam. Many find themselves partially taken in before installing the software, or worse, after installing it. Perhaps you saw the mouse pointer moving around and felt something was wrong. Perhaps you ended the call and switched off your PC. Perhaps… perhaps you gave access to the scammer, believed their lie, and paid up.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, this is what you should do.
Did you give remote access before having second thoughts and ending the call? If so, you’re probably safe, but make sure you run a scan with your anti-virus software and Malwarebytes’s Antimalware tool. You should also restart your PC to force-end the remote session; if for some reason this isn’t possible (due to remote access) hold the power button on your computer down until it shuts down.
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Did the scammer install any software, or go looking around your personal files and folders? In this case, there is a strong chance that they copied (or attempted to) data from you. If this data features personally identifiable information, this could be used to determine one or more passwords. If you use Facebook, for instance, and your password can be guessed, then a whole load of information can be harvested about you. This is how identity thieves get their claws in.
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