Beware of "Microsoft Virus" phone calls

[segnosaur]

Just wanted to extend a little warning in case this happens to you.

There is a group of scammers out there who are attempting to access people's computers by cold-calling individuals and stating they are from Microsoft, and claiming that they know your computer is infected by a virus. They will then attempt to "fix" your computer (by getting you to download a real virus on your computer), and/or steal your credit card information.

I received a phone call from them recently. I recognized it as a scam right off the bat (heck, I even tried to waste their time by pretending to play along, but without actually following their instructions), but some people may be a bit more trusting. (I have no idea how they harvest their phone numbers though.)

If you receive such a call, remember that Microsoft (or other companies) will never call "out of the blue" like that. Never give personal information to them, never download anything onto your computer (unless its from a reputable company) and never give them your credit card information.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-security/strange-call-pretending-to-be-from-microsoft-tech/19e6a366-cf86-4a6b-bb2e-2ab81645553d

[GostHacked]

It's amazing how many people will fall for that kind of thing. Microsoft does not contact you for anything. What people will do for money.