Microsoft Scam - June 2011

Dear Coordinator,

I have been contacted by a couple of coordinators today who have received or know people who have recently received calls from people purporting to be from Microsoft. These callers may use a number of scripts but in general appear to suggest that there is some kind of fault with your computer - possibly that it is running slow or that they have had a report that there is a virus

in your computer. In essence they will try and get you to provide them with money in return for providing a fix for your computer. Unfortunately, some of these callers may be very proficient at convincing people that there is a major issue by slipping in computer jargon and confusing people with technical details and fixes that the average computer user might be unfamiliar with. The callers telephone number is usually withheld in these calls should you try '1471' after terminating the call.

As this appears to be a current issue I have been onto the fraud pages of the Microsoft website and found a statement that the company have posted there about unsolicited calls. This statement is copied below for your interest:

Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer

In this scam cybercriminals call you and claim to be from Microsoft Tech Support. They offer to help solve your computer problems. Once the crooks have gained your trust, they attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malware including viruses and spyware.

Although law enforcement can trace phone numbers, perpetrators often use pay phones, disposable cellular phones, or stolen cellular phone numbers. It's better to avoid being conned rather than try to repair damage afterwards.

Treat all unsolicited phone calls with scepticism. Do not provide any personal information.

If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Tech Support, hang up. We do not make these kinds of calls.

As confirmed in this statement, Microsoft do not make unsolicited calls and would never contact you in this manner. As such if you receive any calls of this nature please hang up and never provide any credit / debit card or personal details to anyone purporting to be from Microsoft.




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Jane Thirsk
Watch Officer
Office: 01244 612725

Wilmslow Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6374
Knutsford Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6380
Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371