Fake Microsoft Tech Support Calls

Almost every computer user is familiar with some type of online fraud which he or she may encounter. It could be drive-by download, phishing websites or spam emails. Recently it has been noticed that computer users start complaining about fake phone calls which are said to be related to Microsoft Windows operating system.

The users complain that they receive Microsoft tech support calls which seem to have been schemed by Indian-English speaking online sharks. The operator claims that Microsoft has found that the user’s computer has an infection and he or she may offer to solve the program. This type of deception is not new – there have been some attempts to trick computer users by phone by purporting that some system errors have been detected on one’s computer. Microsoft reacted to this with an official statement that the company does not make unsolicited phone calls. The user may receive a phone call from the tech support only if he or she seeks professional help from Microsoft troubleshooting specialists. Even if one receives a call from Microsoft they will never be charged for the fixes that may be necessary for the PC.

It has been reported that there have been several types of attempts to obtain one’s sensitive information. Cyber criminals would send phishing emails claiming that the user has to update the system or provide credit card information. It is also known that there have been tries to make Windows user believe that they have won the Microsoft Lottery and that they should take specific measures in return.

As for the fake calls from Microsoft tech support, it is important to disregard the callers and hang up the phone. If you fall into conversation, do not reveal identifiable information such as credit card details, home address or the information about your operating system. If the insidious caller takes a guess at what operating system you use, it is a sign he or she is trying to deceive you. Do not follow the caller’s instructions to navigate to a particular websites in order not to expose the PC to computer infections. If possible, try to acquire some information about the caller and once you end the conversation, report the fake phone call to the local authorities or Microsoft.

As the fake tech support calls from Microsoft are not the only trick to beguile a computer user into exposing his or her sensitive information, similar instance may occur in the future. So far it has been known that cyber crooks have tried to pretend as troubleshooters from Microsoft Helpdesk, Microsoft Research & Development and Windows Support. Moreover, emails asking to verify some information regarding one’s operating system may also be used as a means to earn money.

In order to protect a computer from various forms of scam, it is advisable to utilize a reliable spyware removal tool. If, for example, you receive a spam email containing a link to some verification website, it does not mean that it has been sent with the intention presented. It can be a link executing a computer virus which functions as a backdoor tool enabling remote attackers to access the system. If you have not received a fake phone call yet that does not mean that you are protected against other types of scam, which is why it is advisable to use a spyware prevention program such as SpyHunter as it can terminated various threat which are resistant to anti-virus software.