Unknown called from Windows support saying there are critical errors possible Scam...

[Fbettin]

This is on windows 10
So he called telling my that I have critical errors on my PC, which in hand he showed me in the event viewer. when he automatically suggested allowing him to use my PC (https://www.showmypc.com/) I became suspicions, there must be some way for me to fix this without him having control of my PC (I have sensitive information and haven't gotten around to encrypting that stuff yet because this is a new PC)
I then looked up the phone number to see if it may be associated with Microsoft and it didn't come up.
https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&q=13202555623&oq=13202555623&gs_l=serp.3..35i39.7107.7107.0.7787.1.1.0.0.0.0.113.113.0j1.1.0....0...1c.1.64.serp..0.1.113.tNMYH3ax6Cw
(^ copy 'n' paste)

then I did a little bit more research and this came up
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2486136/cybercrime-hacking/fake-windows-tech-support-calls-continue-to-plague-consumers.html

I then ran anti-malware bytes and found multiple infections on the computer which have since been cleaned.

So now I will call Microsoft support directly and see what methods I should use to fix these critical errors. Do you think it was a scam?

 

[vrumor]

Of course it was. Microsoft has no way of knowing what is right or wrong with your PC, nor do they care enough to call you. Common sense.

 

[basroil]

Never trust those things, and if you know the number that called forward it to your local police. It's a scam.


Considering you had malware, you should reformat your computer immediately using a USB installer made on a clean computer (from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install). Any files should be quarantined on an external drive until you can use paid AV software (bitdefender, norton, kapersky, etc) to verify there are no issues.

 

[DelroyMonjo]

I've had similar types of phone calls regarding my Windows 7 installation/computer from people claiming to be from Microsoft tech support. They wanted my activation code number and I basically told them they were lying to me and they hung up the phone. Happened 3 times in 2 months.

 

[BrolyisGod]

scam happened to me. they try to control your pc and then get you to enter your credit card information into some malware removal software that you have to buy. If they call again tell them to fuck off. They are not apart of microsoft and are scam artists.

 

[rgd1101]

People still answer unsolicited call?

 

[Guest]

This is on windows 10
So he called telling my that I have critical errors on my PC, which in hand he showed me in the event viewer. when he automatically suggested allowing him to use my PC (https://www.showmypc.com/) I became suspicions, there must be some way for me to fix this without him having control of my PC (I have sensitive information and haven't gotten around to encrypting that stuff yet because this is a new PC)
I then looked up the phone number to see if it may be associated with Microsoft and it didn't come up.
https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&q=13202555623&oq=13202555623&gs_l=serp.3..35i39.7107.7107.0.7787.1.1.0.0.0.0.113.113.0j1.1.0....0...1c.1.64.serp..0.1.113.tNMYH3ax6Cw
(^ copy 'n' paste)

then I did a little bit more research and this came up
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2486136/cybercrime-hacking/fake-windows-tech-support-calls-continue-to-plague-consumers.html

I then ran anti-malware bytes and found multiple infections on the computer which have since been cleaned.

So now I will call Microsoft support directly and see what methods I should use to fix these critical errors. Do you think it was a scam?

I had this call
I let him take control but be advised DO NOT ALLOW HIM ACCESS
They will try to charge you around £180 + to repair bullshit errors which are normal on windows os
& they will password protect your pc from access.
I just reformatted & carried on after reporting it to the aurthorities.

 

[Fbettin]

I called Microsoft and reported it to them, just installed bit defender and purchased the the software, I already had already purchased anti malware bytes. thankfully the malware was on my SSD which is running windows 10 and has no personal information so im reformatting it.

 

[Saga Lout]

I like to keep them talking on their own telephone bill for half an hour or so before asking "are you sure this will work in my Linux Mint system?"

 

[Guest]

I like to keep them talking on their own telephone bill for half an hour or so before asking "are you sure this will work in my Linux Mint system?"

He He, they spoke to me for 45 mins, must of thought i was suckered, Mwahahahahahahaaa