O/T Possible Computer Phone Scam : Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:00 pm  

I had a very odd phonecall this morning from an Asian-sounding bloke who said that I'd reported problems with my computer. He'd got the initial and surname right (and phone number) presumably only using the Phone Book for cold-calling.

However, he implied that he knew I'd been having problems and was I using Windows XP or Vista? I told him neither, so he then asked if I used a Mac. I don't. At that he seemed to get all confused, went through the XP or Vista questions, then the Mac question and finally said there must have been a mistake and hung up. (I actually run the Linux OS, but it's obvious that he'd never heard of it and I wasn't going to to give him any foothoold at all!)

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I've checked on the net and can't find any reference to anything like it!

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:19 pm  

It does sound very much like a scam, I think the best advice with anything like this is to only take any sort of computer support from a number you have rung yourself and know is legit.

What they were planning on doing, I'm not sure. I suppose the obvious thing is they would try to get you to open up your PC to potential attacks, maybe even stealing online banking/shopping login details or something of this nature.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:28 pm  

Legionited wrote:

It does sound very much like a scam, I think the best advice with anything like this is to only take any sort of computer support from a number you have rung yourself and know is legit.

What they were planning on doing, I'm not sure. I suppose the obvious thing is they would try to get you to open up your PC to potential attacks, maybe even stealing online banking/shopping login details or something of this nature.

That sounds logical - if they can mislead someone into believing they're helping with a technical support issue and provid certain details / change certain settings on their PC; then it's possible the perpetrators could gain access and plant some software which would obtain credit card/bank/personal details etc.

As you say, it's always wise in these situations to ring a number from a bill or invoice so that you know it's legitimate; and never start divulging personal details to someone who's contact you.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:35 pm  

Georgie Best on a Bloomer wrote:

I actually run the Linux OS

I'm running Kleindows Smithsta 1.0
Should I worry?

Re: O/T Possible Computer Phone Scam : Tue Feb 17, 2009 1:10 pm  

Georgie Best on a Bloomer wrote: I had a very odd phonecall this morning from an Asian-sounding bloke who said that I'd reported problems with my computer. He'd got the initial and surname right (and phone number) presumably only using the Phone Book for cold-calling. However, he implied that he knew I'd been having problems and was I using Windows XP or Vista? I told him neither, so he then asked if I used a Mac. I don't. At that he seemed to get all confused, went through the XP or Vista questions, then the Mac question and finally said there must have been a mistake and hung up. (I actually run the Linux OS, but it's obvious that he'd never heard of it and I wasn't going to to give him any foothoold at all!) Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I've checked on the net and can't find any reference to anything like it! Try running the number through THIS site.

Georgie Best on a Bloomer wrote: I had a very odd phonecall this morning from an Asian-sounding bloke who said that I'd reported problems with my computer. He'd got the initial and surname right (and phone number) presumably only using the Phone Book for cold-calling. However, he implied that he knew I'd been having problems and was I using Windows XP or Vista? I told him neither, so he then asked if I used a Mac. I don't. At that he seemed to get all confused, went through the XP or Vista questions, then the Mac question and finally said there must have been a mistake and hung up. (I actually run the Linux OS, but it's obvious that he'd never heard of it and I wasn't going to to give him any foothoold at all!) Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I've checked on the net and can't find any reference to anything like it! Try running the number through THIS site.

Re: O/T Possible Computer Phone Scam : Tue Feb 17, 2009 2:38 pm  

Wembley '83 wrote: Try running the number through THIS site. Withheld! Great info though. Top stuff.

Wembley '83 wrote: Try running the number through THIS site. Withheld! Great info though. Top stuff.

: Tue Feb 17, 2009 2:40 pm  

Disco wrote:

I'm running Kleindows Smithsta 1.0
Should I worry?

I saw that on the back of one of last year's Aye of the Tigers mags.

I tried it but apparently half of it only works if you're in Australia (and then only marginally!)

Re: O/T Possible Computer Phone Scam : Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:38 pm  

Georgie Best on a Bloomer wrote:

I had a very odd phonecall this morning from an Asian-sounding bloke who said that I'd reported problems with my computer. He'd got the initial and surname right (and phone number) presumably only using the Phone Book for cold-calling.

However, he implied that he knew I'd been having problems and was I using Windows XP or Vista? I told him neither, so he then asked if I used a Mac. I don't. At that he seemed to get all confused, went through the XP or Vista questions, then the Mac question and finally said there must have been a mistake and hung up. (I actually run the Linux OS, but it's obvious that he'd never heard of it and I wasn't going to to give him any foothoold at all!)

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I've checked on the net and can't find any reference to anything like it!

I happen to work in the internet banking industry security department, and this was indeed a scam!

would you please send me your credit card details and i will make sure that you are never targeted again in this manner!

Re: O/T Possible Computer Phone Scam : Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:44 pm  

The Biffs Back wrote:

I happen to work in the internet banking industry security department, and this was indeed a scam!

would you please send me your credit card details and i will make sure that you are never targeted again in this manner!

Re: O/T Possible Computer Phone Scam : Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:42 pm  

The Biffs Back wrote:

I happen to work in the internet banking industry security department, and this was indeed a scam!

would you please send me your credit card details and i will make sure that you are never targeted again in this manner!

Certainly

Phone me back on this number and ask if you can speak to P. Lees.

I'll divulge all to you then.

The number is 999.

Ta