I just got a phone call from PC wizards saying my computer has problems
They want to fix it but need access to my computer. I refused...afraid it was a scam. I checked their website and they seem legitimate but McAfee gave a warning. Do you know anything about this company or this type of phone call?
According to what they did check...I had a lot of errors . I have no idea what to do. Help!
hobbit709
(41,694 posts)They're just triying to scare you into giving them your credit card info.
How could they tell you had errors without having access to your computer?
Any time someone calls clear out of the blue and wants you to pay for something, it's a scam or an out and out ripoff.
RedStateLiberal
(1,374 posts)Sounds fishy!
CurtEastPoint
(18,548 posts)All you need to do is google this: pc wizard scams
Con artists pure and simple.
Please tell me you didn't connect to them...
intaglio
(8,170 posts)Firstly how have they linked your IP address (the one your computer uses) with your phone number? The short answer is that they haven't, they're f(ph)ishing.
Secondly ask them what your IP (Internet Protcol)address is because without that they know nothing about your computer. If the bluster or pretend they have no access call them what they are - scammers. They might say something like "well your IP address begins ..." followed by 3 numbers those first 3 numbers might correspond to your IP address but only because they are nationality based numbers. They might go further and quote a false IP address, insisting that that is your "real" IP address. They will be lying. Under no circumstances quote your IP address to these crooks.
If you want to check your IP addresses (there are several) First type "What is my IP address" into Google. That will give the visible IP address of your network or "gateway". Then (Windows 7) type "IP address" into the search box of your start screen. This will give a result including a "System Information". Click on that and you will see an Explorer page with, near the bottom, "device(number) name = network" with various IP addresses. Yours is "IP address". Many years ago I knew how you found IP for other windows systems - but I've forgot!
CK_John
(10,005 posts)because the longer you stay on the line, the better the odds of them cleahing your clock (credit card or bank account).
They are truly pros at this, no talk just hangup.
bananas
(27,509 posts)Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)Thank goodness I didn't let them take control of my computer...stopped just in time.
Bananas that web site forum had all the answers. Sure was a scam!
So nice to have this forum on DU.
crash101
(32 posts)Don't do anything. It's a scam! There's no way an outsider will know what you have on your computer, much more monitor it from afar, unless you gave that remote access to your computer- which is impossible since you refused.
Don't get upset. They can call you all they want but as long as you don't do anything they say or disclose any information to them, you're fine.
crash101
(32 posts)Well, on second thoughts, do something. Report that scammer to the FTC in an attempt to shut the scam down. At the same time, posting a complaint at http://www.callercenter.com will raise a warning. Since the site gets about 40, 000 visitors daily, the warning gets through to a lot more people from different areas in such a very short time.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)The first tip off is that they always ask for "Mrs. D" ( the landline phone is in Mr. Dixie's name, not mine) so anyone calling for Mr. D or Mrs. D. does not know us...Mr. d. has his own cell phone.
the 2nd tipoff was it was an Indian accent who said his name was "bob".
The 3rd tipoff was they said they were from Mircrosoft..and we have Linux!
But, I kept him on the phone for the longest time, asking all sorts of real dumb questions, even getting up to
look at my "window" and told him I could not see anything because it was raining...
He finally caught on and hung up.
discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,470 posts)...fun with Nigerian scammers. Keeps them emailing for weeks sometimes. Finally tells them she'll be there in Africa on business. Then she never hears back.
Sometimes my cheeks and sides hurt from laughing.
Dash87
(3,220 posts)Since there's no way they can possibly know this (they would actually need access to your computer), it was a lame sales come-on to try and get you to give them access to your computer.
Edited because I read above. Yup, they're con artists, and ballsy ones at that. What they do is, they do some meaningless stuff, and then, after getting your credit information, charge you money for their "services."
And on the "legitimate website" thing, unfortunately, anyone can set up a website. All you have to do is buy a domain and then create your own website. It's very easy to do. Scammers do it all of the time.
discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,470 posts)...if you use a dynamic dns service.
I can't stand cons. When you find some, they deserve to be played with, jerked around and reported.
Earth Bound Misfit
(3,553 posts)like this one...
discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,470 posts)...Mexican midget!!!
You got my week off to a good start.
Thanks