Computor repair scam.

[ws23rt]

I recently got some entertainment value talking to a caller that wanted to help me with my sick computer.

First I put him off until I got home to my home computer. He called back and gave the pitch that my system could fail at any moment. I gave him control of my computer while asking him how he would crash my computer in an effort to show me the vulnerability of my computer.    He said he and the folks he worked for were of the best reputation for integrity. ( :lol:enough for me).

He showed me stuff on my system that would make some nervous and made it sound like I was close to my house burning down.

Then came the bottom line. For ONLY $295 they would not only clean my system but repair the "problems" that  I suffer.

At this point I have had this guy on the hook (or as he may have seen it I was on the hook) for nearly an hour. The heat was coming for me to give money.

So I finally said I was not ready to move at this time but would call him back tomorrow with my decision about how to deal with my sick computer. He was sounding frantic at this point and I was able to calm him down.

The next day He called right on time and was expecting what I led him to expect.

The first thing I said was that my computer was working just fine for now and he interrupted quickly in a very agitated tone.---He went on with the script from the day before. He said I could lose much information at any time--etc.---

When I finally calmed him down and explained that my decision was to live with the risk I have and if my computer crashed I would buy another one considering the price of protection they were offering.

I had to tell him this three times before he hung up.

My sharing this with you folks is to point out an alternate way to look at scammers. I for the most part don't have the time for them but once in a while it is fun to bat them around like a cat with a june bug.

[skip68]

   you have a June bug in July?     :scratchchin:interesting, very interesting indeed.   

[ws23rt]

Haven't seen a june bug (in the pacific northwest) since I've been here. But I remember them when I lived in calif in the early sixties.
I recall a cat we had that would bring one in the house and toss it around until it stopped buzzing. He would just go get another to keep up his fun.

[skip68]

We're planning a move up to the PNW soon.   Anyway, I can't stand phone solicitors.   I just hang up and block the numbers.  Years ago I'd mess with them a little though.    I'm guessing that guy took you off his list.   

[Troy]

While it's funny, my parents fell for that once for $400. A few months later they got a call saying their computer was under attack but the old company that they had paid for "support" was bought out and the new company would extend their benefits for only $1,000 more. My mom called me immediately (while the guy was still on the phone). He was convincing enough that my parents were willing to listen to a complete stranger over me. A lot of these scams actually install bad stuff on your computer so I was worried that they had given unknown people access to all of their accounts, passwords, tax information, etc. After doing a bunch of research it seems that they only set up a web meeting the first time and literally had no clue what was going on with the computer. This was verified after I had my parents unplug the cable modem and shut off the computers and the guy on the phone was claiming he could still see what was going on and they were definitely being hacked! The first time they did actually install software - freely available "security" tools like Malwarebytes, and Microsoft Security Essentials. Maybe AVG too. There was a text file on the desktop with their "account number" and a phone number to call for "support". The initial billing was through a 3rd party credit card processor so the bad guys never actually had any personal information. My thought is that this gives them a legal standing. They took money for "support". They did actually do some work and didn't harm anything. It would be hard to fight them in court - even if they weren't in Brazil. I did read one story on the internet where a guy claimed that he refused their service while the caller still had control of his machine and they guy started deleting the hard drive. Otherwise it seems most people have been bilked out of anywhere from $300 to $3,000. I think they've figured out that only the really gullible ones will dish out over $1,000 so they start with something "reasonable" - $300-400. Once they've got you hooked they go for the bigger score.

Troy

[RallyeMike]

I gave him control of my computer

Like to live dangerously, huh?

[ws23rt]

I gave him control of my computer

Like to live dangerously, huh?

I guess I do sometimes  In this case (considering the little I have to lose from my computer in the worst case) I was kinda hoping for something from them that I could sink my teeth into.
They were baiting me for my money and I was opening the door a little to see if they would try to just take it from me.

I did ask them (while they had control) if they could ruin or crash my computer while they had control?  They were stuttering a bit and assured me that they work with the highest of ethical standards. --Duh--  All of this was rather slow because I had to ask for them to repeat what they were saying many times (I do have a hard time with a strong Indian accent)

If anyone out there knows whether they could have a thread connection to get back in without my knowing about it I'd like to hear about it and how it works?

[ws23rt]

I used the term scam at the beginning of this thread because that is how I feel about just about any sales pitch.

This one appears to be not unlike the calls many of us get to buy warranty insurance for a car we have that has passed into the world of old cars (you are on your own). Or many other sales pitches for that matter.

The one about my computer feels the same. They want me to pay them to help me now and later.

My response to the car warranty pitch is "I would rather pay for any expense my car needs as it occurs". This usually cuts the call short.

The pitches are all around us and if I'm in the mood, have the time, and it is something new to me --I'm on for it.

A long time ago I got a call that was clearly a sales pitch from a young guy.  I interrupted him after a few words and said---Hey hold it- you want some of my money don't you? --He said no, I want to give you money.  --So I said send the money to my house. --I can't cause I don't have your address.---You have my phone number? you have my address, no?---I don't have your address but if you let me speak (my pitch) it will be worth your while.
I pressed him some more and would not let his script get in the way. Finally he said he didn't have any money and he was only nineteen.  
Hmm you are working for someone right? --Yes-- He/they have money to pay you for doing this?---yes--Have them send money to my house then. ----He finally hung up on me.

This example helps express how I feel about cold call selling. I learned about it at age 19 when I got sucked in to selling "rainbow" vacuum cleaners. As I was learning how to do the pitch two were sold to family members. I found out that that was the way most were sold and a lasting lesson learned for me. An apology to my family was never enough. I was the one that was taken for a ride and my family paid the money part of the price for me.

Buyer beware----When you need something you will know it.  You don't have to be told or sold.

[AKcharger]

Those guys! 

[el dub]

The same happened to me. Maybe its going across the country. They told me they were from HP or MS I can t remember. They also said that other people were using my computer. Is that even possible?

[A383Wing]

The same happened to me. Maybe its going across the country. They told me they were from HP or MS I can t remember. They also said that other people were using my computer. Is that even possible?

it's all across the country...this scam has been on the news most every night now