Microsoft: 'Windows Support' Phone Scams on the Rise

Microsoft says the number of telephone scams involving fake Windows support technicians is on the rise. That means more criminals are executing schemes designed to dupe legitimate Windows users out of their hard-earned money.

Most of the scams involve cold callers claiming to work for Microsoft. In this scenario, the victim is told that their computer is infected with some kind of damaging malware. Based on this author's experience, oftentimes the calls originate overseas - usually from India, with the caller having a thick accent.

Scammers Sell One-time or Subscription-based "Solutions"

In many cases, scammers point to harmless or low-level log errors on the users' PC via the Windows Event Viewer tool in an effort to convince the victim that their computer is in infected. Scammers then ask for money in exchange for a solution which can involve a one-time "fix" or a fake security software subscription.

Microsoft noted in a recent blog post that these scams are becoming far more prevalent as time goes on.

"What's really alarming is that this type of scam shows no signs of slowing down," noted Microsoft customer service executive Kirsten Kliphouse. "Increasingly, we hear via our front-line support team, and even from friends and family, that these scammers are getting bolder, targeting not only individuals but also businesses." (Source: technet.com)

How to Prevent Getting Scammed

Microsoft says it's important Windows users take several steps to protect themselves from these scams.

First: if you receive an unsolicited phone call about your computer's hardware or software, you should hang up immediately. If you stay on the line with a suspected scammer, listen carefully -- is there any evidence to suggest the caller knows or understands your system specifically? If not, hang up the phone.

Secondly, you should avoid giving out personal information, such as phone numbers, addresses, or credit card data -- especially when contacted unsolicited by a third party interested in discussing the Windows operating system over the phone.

What to Do if You Receive a Call

If you are called, there are steps you can take. US residents can report the incident by calling the Microsoft's help desk at 1-800-426-9400, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at (202) 326-2222. For Canada and the United Kingdom, contact anti-fraud organizations available through links found Microsoft's website.

For its part, the FTC says such reports "help us and our law enforcement partners detect patterns of fraud and abuse." (Source: computerworld.com)

Microsoft adds that scammers tend to get quite belligerent when they don't get their way. It's a type of behavior most legitimate Microsoft customer representatives avoid at all costs.

What's Your Opinion?

Have you or anyone you know ever been contacted by a scammer claiming to represent Microsoft? If so, how did you or your contact respond to the call? Do you believe these scams are becoming a bigger problem? Finally, do you think Microsoft is doing enough to limit these kinds of threats?