Watch out for "Microsoft" scammers...this one I've not heard of before...

[AWS]

I got a phone call from "Peter", a "Microsoft Representative" today, whom I am quite sure was a scam.

Here's the reasons why: 1) Number one reason (and I checked with MS automated chat on this one) Microsoft will NEVER use a phone call to solicit anything. (Why would they, anyway?)

2) There was a lot of noise and chatter in the background. I think Microsoft can afford offices that will prevent this.

3) I could only understand about half of what he was saying since he had such a heavy accent from somewhere...that doesn't necessarily by itself mean it's a scam, but a red flag to count.

4) His heavily accented name was "Peter". Again, not anything in particular, except both of your ears should be perked up now...

So, all this happened before he even said why he was calling. He called me because "your computer has been copied to somewhere else, and we want to help you fix it." OK....ummm...I think Microsoft could detect who copied it if they knew that had happened.

You learn to see details about scam artists when you start with a few basics, like, a good basic rule for on the phone, is, if they called you as opposed to you calling them, it's not likely to be legitimate. If someone does call you, ask for a phone number

to call back to verify. Even if they say, "ask for, (Peter)." Which is just what this "representative" said. This is designed to gain your trust for their crime. And don't let them distract you from actually doing that.It's hard to do if you're not used to doing this, but pay attention when you receive any kind of solicitation, whether by phone, computer, or your front door. (which isn't very safe anymore, anyway) The phone is particularly effective on this note,

becuase you can't go back and re-read what was said, and you can't see who you're actually talking to.BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!

 

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