Phone scams are REAL; here is what you need to know

HELLO, THIS IS MICHAELSOFT, YOU HAVE 20,000 VIRUS INFECTIONS ON YOUR COMPUTER. IT IS VITAL WE REMOTE INTO YOUR COMPUTER TO HELP YOU, YOUR BANK ACCOUNT MAY BE COMPROMISED...

We’ve all heard it, the question is, who are these people, why do they call you and what do you do?

If you're a tech, these calls can be the most fun you can have. Just connect them to your virtual machine honeypot and watch all of the chaos they would cause to would be victims.. But wait... Most people aren't techs. Most people don't have virtual machines, and most people don't know how to recognize this sort of scam.

If you've never heard of this before, what happens is scammers will call you, pretend to be from Microsoft and try to gain access to your PC f to steal your personal information. Here is a step by step real example that happened to a client:

1. They will show you that you have lots of “Viruses” by pulling up logs and saying “see there, THERE it is”
2. They will ask you for money. That money may be for Anti-Virus software, it may be for their time to “Clean” up your computer..
3. They take your money, compromise your bank account and hang up.

Here is a secret to help you find out the truth. Microsoft will NOT ever call you about virus related issues, EVER as a home user. You have to reach out to them, and they will suggest you contact a local vendor for repair, they will make NO changes on your PC for you.

So, have fun with the Michaelsofts! Play a fun game with them ask awesome questions like:

“Really, you are from Microsoft?? What department are you with? Is Jimmy still working there, can you put him on the phone??”

Or

“Hey! Is Phil still the manager there? Our Court case is still pending, I need to collect my money from you guys, can you cut me a check?”

But if you do anything at all, PLEASE PLEASE do not let them have access to your computer, contact someone that you trust, Call QuickFix! We will help you find the truth and keep you safe, we are here to help!