Forum Topic

Be aware of Cybercriminals

I have had various phone calls claiming my computer is causing problems,how they relate my phone number and computer to each other I don't know, or they are lying,they usually hang up after being called cheats, liars, scammers or thieves.This one was very persistant (34mins)  called by a 'technician' from the 'World wide web server' saying that my computer was infecting the web and needed cleaning, he asked me to look at folder 'inf' and said these were the infected files, an impresive list. I know there is no single www server, I didn't know what .inf was but knew it couldn't be infected files, (An INF file is a Setup Information file.). Windows isn't that simple. and a 3rd party program not Windows detects malware. Very good advice from Microsoft is at - http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

Fred Hunt ● 4539d7 Comments

I believe that there is this kind of feature already built into Microsoft that just requires the owner to enable it, but did not know the name. Unfortunately Microsoft has such a bad reputation that people do believe what they are told. Why do people still use it when there are so much better systems available for free?www.chrisbell.org.ukMicrosoft sells you Windows ... Linux gives you the whole house.

Chris Bell ● 4538d

Thanks for posting your brush with cybercrinals. I have had a similar experience in MAY 2013. "TEAMVIEW" PROGRAM THAT I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT---Was latched into my devices and left access to an unauthorised person to take full control of my computer. I noticed that the CURSOR movement on my screen was acting with a mind of its own and I panicked and switched off the computer. I got help the next morning and I learnt the truth from a IT friend of mine, who showed itby accessing Task Bar ,and Systems before removing the program. I was Using a 3G Dongle at the time and the person who contacted me gave me all the particulars that only the Call Centres in India could possibly had knowledge about. I believe the information is SOLD out. The Call Centres however are so Polite that I could never have considered any of them were involved directly. Incidentally attacks like this happens mostly if you do have INTERNET BANKING.I am now doubly careful. ..Take care

Os A Whittle ● 4538d

I think that is already present on a Microsoft system. How does the caller then know how to find your computer? I assume that would involve you contacting an address supplied by the caller, (but do not actually select or start teamviewer).

Chris Bell ● 4538d

No the person being called will be asked to open a remote access program in my case 'teamviewer'

Fred Hunt ● 4539d

I assume that the person being called would be asked to contact an internet address, and that could help trace the caller. Someone in Chiswick reported the caller phone number which corresponded to somewhere in Chelmsford, but more likely it was the location of a VOIP (Voice Over IP) server,

Chris Bell ● 4539d

There have been several similar reports on the Chiswick forum (0208994    ). I do not use Microsoft, but I had a similar call several months ago (0208992    ). I get several calls a day to my answerphone, most hang up immediately or play a recorded message.

Chris Bell ● 4539d

Thanks for alerting us to these claims about faulty computer operations. Being an octogenarian silver surfer who doesn't understand how the www works, I'm grateful for the warning. Thanks.

Gerry Tan ● 4539d