19-07-2011, 03:44 PM
Yes, I've just had this yesterday.
A woman rang several times and spoke to my wife, telling her there was a problem with my computer and when would I be at home, so she could ring back. Eventually she managed to get hold of me, said she was from Microsoft and told me I should switch my computer on. I said 'How do you even know I've got a computer? 'We know sir'. I said well you'll know my IP address then, so what is it? That was ignored, and the woman said you must turn on your computer and allow me to guide you through the rectification procedure'. I replied 'why are you calling me from Microsoft when I am using an Apple Mac computer and operating system and have no Microsoft software installed? I don't think you are genuine, UI think you are a crook, so please give me your number so I can report this to the Police. Phone went dead.
She spoke with a foreign accent - more Chinese than Indian.
So obviously a scam from the outset, but they only need one mug.
I don't get many nuisance calls - they've dropped right off since I registered with the Telephone Preference Service, but when I do, I usually politely say "I'm sorry, can you just bear with me for a few moments, I have to put you on hold". Then I put the phone receiver on top of the radio and play music into it till they ring off. This is probably an early indication that I'm regressing back to my childhood, but if they want to waste my time, I get a little frisson from wasting some of theirs.
Quite why I behave in this way is a bit of a mystery to me, but then I'm not a doctor!
David
A woman rang several times and spoke to my wife, telling her there was a problem with my computer and when would I be at home, so she could ring back. Eventually she managed to get hold of me, said she was from Microsoft and told me I should switch my computer on. I said 'How do you even know I've got a computer? 'We know sir'. I said well you'll know my IP address then, so what is it? That was ignored, and the woman said you must turn on your computer and allow me to guide you through the rectification procedure'. I replied 'why are you calling me from Microsoft when I am using an Apple Mac computer and operating system and have no Microsoft software installed? I don't think you are genuine, UI think you are a crook, so please give me your number so I can report this to the Police. Phone went dead.
She spoke with a foreign accent - more Chinese than Indian.
So obviously a scam from the outset, but they only need one mug.
I don't get many nuisance calls - they've dropped right off since I registered with the Telephone Preference Service, but when I do, I usually politely say "I'm sorry, can you just bear with me for a few moments, I have to put you on hold". Then I put the phone receiver on top of the radio and play music into it till they ring off. This is probably an early indication that I'm regressing back to my childhood, but if they want to waste my time, I get a little frisson from wasting some of theirs.
Quite why I behave in this way is a bit of a mystery to me, but then I'm not a doctor!
David
