Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Tech Support Scams

 

Scam

Jim here. I know we all hear about various types of scams and I was aware of a variant of this type but got to enjoy it today.

This afternoon I received a call from someone claiming to be from Dell tech support. He had my name and phone number so that was a start. He tells me that they have been getting computer generated reports of a variety of problems with our computer. This gave me pause as I had never heard of a company calling to give you crappy customer support. You normally have to wait on hold for an extended time for that kind of service. I asked if he could tell me what my email address is and he was correct again. He wanted my Windows key, which is the the number related to the operating system. I didn’t provide that and asked him if he was going to want to connect to the computer and he said he would. I told him that we weren’t going to be doing that at which point he warned me that they wouldn’t be responsible if my computer crashed, so I ended the call.

He did have an Indian accent so I give him extra points. I should add that his number did not show up on caller ID.

I’m pretty obsessive about computer security and knew there was nothing wrong with ours but I have to say it was almost believable.

Here is a link that gives you more info on this topic. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams

Since Gayle always posts photos the following is so we don’t spoil it for you.

Groucho

Insanity

unnamed

In the spirit of the season.

mutts-bless-the-tofu

Seacrest out!!

Old Man

6 comments:

  1. Thanks, Jim! And we love the parting comics and quotes:)

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  2. He sounds just like the guy that called me last year. Same story!

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  3. Glad you picked up the "pen," since I can't enjoy your sardonic wit personally :)
    Box Canyon Mark

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  4. Good info, we don't answer the phone when the number is unfamiliar or unknown, but they are getting very savvy. Love the "pics" you added :-))))

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  5. Paul and Marti Dahl has left a new comment on your post "Tech Support Scams":

    A high tech version of the infamous Nigerian scam, where a long lost rich uncle left you million$. I've had a few of these calls, too and have great fun screwing with the caller.

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