Folks, remember this -- Microsoft will NEVER call you.

[earthshine]

It's a common enough scam. They call pretending to be from Microsoft. They tell you your computer has a serious problem. They have you type something into the command line. A scary screen full of errors appears. (These errors, and their automatic corrections are a normal part the operations of Windows and the hardware.)

No matter how many times I tell her to call me first at the smallest hint of a problem, my Mom likes to be independent. Tries to solve her own problems. She did what they told her to do. Now the computer is completely hosed up, asking her for a password that she herself, did not create.

So, now she calls me. As soon as she told me Microsoft called her, I told her unplug the machine and forget about it until I get there. Who knows what they put on there? Trojans? Keyloggers? Can't take the chance. Must format hard drive with clean install of Windows.

She tells me they tried to sell her Windows Defender for $150, and that she needs it because she's infected. (Windows Defender is included with Windows 8 and 10.)

Microsoft will never call you. There is no exception.

Tell everyone you know, but don't expect them to remember. Just be prepared to help them when they eventually call for help, because they did not remember your advice at a fateful moment when the phone rang.

<sigh> It's a scammy world.

[lpbk2713]

1. I hope Restore works.

[Ron Obvious]

2. I got this call for the first time the other day

Heavy Indian accent, claimed to be calling from Microsoft.

I said "I hope you believe in karma, arsehole -- you'll be coming back in your next life as a dung beetle", and hung up on him.

I was on my cell, else I might have tried to string him along for a while. I actually did used to work at Microsoft, so I could have used that as the basis for a drawn out conversation. Doubt I really will have the patience, though.

[Historic NY]

3. They always call me, mind you I have a government computer......

I usually get them all excited and then play stupid keeping them on the line.

[csziggy]

4. Neither will the IRS

I've been telling the fake Microsoft scammers that they scared me so much with their dire warnings about infected computers I bought an Apple, or installed Linux, or got rid of all the computers in the house - whichever I feel like that day.

For nearly two weeks the fake IRS agents have been calling and leaving messages warning me they are coming to arrest me. So far no one has shown up with a warrant. If I ever answer the phone when they call, I will tell them to contact my CPA since he handles all my tax problems and I only make payments when he tells me to.