ANYONE CALLING YOU TO TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR COMPUTER THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT… IS A SCAM.
HERE IS WHAT WE SEE AT WELDONPC ROUTINELY
It was a warm sunny summer day in Cleveland when an elderly couple asked me to fix their computer. During the write up process our client, who we will refer to as Mr. and Mrs. Penobscott, proceeds to tell me that someone with a middle eastern accent called us and told us we had a problem with our computer.They told the Penobscotts that they were with Microsoft.
The person on the phone had us get online and click around on some website until they 
were moving my mouse and had taken control of my computer which was working fine… Until this point! The ole’ give me your credit card routine begins. The Penobscotts’ refused because they began to get concerned that this might be a scam. Rapidly and without warning they pull the plug on the computer to prevent the scammer from performing any other “Service” to the computer.
The pulling of the plug came too late.
When they restarted the computer icons were out of place, spyware had been installed and a number of viruses were loading before the Penobscotts eyes and the scammers nearly won!
We performed a complete system recovery back to factory settings in order to ensure the eradication of the infections.
BEST COURSE OF ACTION
I can not stress this enough… DO NOT HANG UP!!! You should not give them any personal information either. Do not use the words yes or no either. They may be recording the phone call. Try your best to get them to verify their phone number so you may call them back. Try to get a location, an address a company name or SOMETHING that will be helpful to the authorities! Put them on hold politely and get a piece of paper and a pen and record important details from the call. Once they become tired of dealing with you you should proceed to contact the following agencies and report what happened to them.
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams#If_You_Get_a_Call
Once you file a report we would suggest bringing your computer in for a check-up. They COULD have got your number from spyware that was loaded into your computer. We would like to check this out and ensure the safety of your computer, your data and your financial well being.
You may also want to consider enrolling into the National Do NOT Call Registry which we have an article on. You may click Here to learn how to enroll.
If you have been scammed please understand they will take out whatever money they said they would. They may or may not provide a service. They may continue billing your credit card every month or every other month so WATCH YOUR STATEMENTS CAREFULLY!
Don’t become a victim. Know the signs!
One final note
If the scammers keep calling and calling and calling… simply tell them that you have sold your equipment. They will become disinterested as the scam can only work with a computer.
WeldonPC offers a Remote IT Management platform for Home and Commercial clients. Read more about that HERE.
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