Windows license scam

[Gdetrailer]

As a public service announcement..

Yesterday I received a phone call from a toll free 866 number (came up with a "800 services" and a 866 number) that is active with a Microsoft expired license scam and for $500 they will install a new license for you.

I called back the number multiple times after they hung up on me until they blocked my number so I know the number is good. I would post the number but not sure if Mods will allow.

But I do want to make folks that may not be aware, your Windows license (or "certificate" as they called it) NEVER expires.

Do not fall prey to these clowns as they will rip you off and if you allow them access to your PC they can take over control and will have access to all contents! If you allow them to talk you into this, they will ask you to download and install team viewer which will give them full access to your PC.

After some research, seems these Microsoft expired license scams are also banner popups that may show up in your browser, they are not real and do not click or hover over the banner nor call the number given.

In addition, Microsoft will NEVER call or notify you in this manner you either.

[opnspaces]

If you're not in my phone book I never answer. If you're not in my phone book and don't leave a message I won't try to call you back.

I strongly believe that blocking the offending number is a complete waste of time. They almost never use the same number twice.

[Gdetrailer]

pbeverly wrote:
If you don't recognize the number, don't answer. If they don't leave a voice mail or the voice mail is questionable block the number.

Good advice.

But, sometimes answering is a must.

Businesses must answer each phone call, otherwise they go out of business ignoring potential or current customers.

DR or Medical services often use a call center that shows up as "800 Services" to relay appointments confirmation or changes to appointments.

Scammers often spoof numbers, more than once I have seen my own number calling my number so there is always a chance they will spoof a number that you know.

Scammers typically do not broadcast their own real working number, in the case of the scammer I had, they were dumb enough to use their own number.. Yeah, I called that number until they blocked mine :B Ironically I went from 30 plus scam calls a day to 4 by the next day 🙂

Just a warning, it doesn't always work but is has with this one and the last car warranty scammer I dealt with..

As said, best policy is often ignore, blocking has very little effect since they are generally spoofing numbers.

Many robo callers typically use AI that sound pretty darn real, generally they do not start speaking until the detect actual human voice (not answering machine recorded).. But now they have upped their game, if no non recorded voice, the call gets sent to the scammers phone and they will say something to prompt you to respond.. This gets around the call blocking that uses a 1-9 required touch tone response..

[monkey44]

The minute you answer your phone, you become a victim because that caller will hound you for months then sell your number as 'live', and the calls won't stop even if you don't fall for the scam-game.

We do not answer any calls we don't recognize. If they don't leave a message, they never hear from us. If it's important, we'll call back. All friends, family, and business associates are in our call log under the name of caller. Anyone else gets a message to leave a message. 🙂 If it's not important enough to leave a message and an identification of caller, it's not important enough to return the call.

IF a call-from number appears twice with no message, it gets blocked.

[lucy6194]

My son got scamed this week said they were going to suspend his electricity. They must have been convincing as he's a pretty savvy guy. Cost him $800.00

[pbeverly]

If you don't recognize the number, don't answer. If they don't leave a voice mail or the voice mail is questionable block the number.

[Bobbo]

My Mother, may she rest in peace, once got a call from "Microsoft Support" telling her they had found a problem with her computer. For a fee, they would be happy to fix it. She let them tell their whole spiel (she had nothing else to do) then asked a lot of questions. A LOT of questions. When she got tired of the game, she said she didn't understand, because she didn't own a computer.

He hung up on her.

[Michelle_S]

How about Jimmie JJ Walker who is worth somewhere around A Million and claims to be getting money back from Medicare, plus all sorts of Free benefits.
Would like to know his secret.

[wa8yxm]

I've gotten several calls from "Microsoft" If I talk to 'em they don't much care for what I say.

Got a call from a legit company a day or 2 ago trying to sell me their medicare plan.... I'm a senior,, My phone is cellular.. And on the DO NOT CALL list.

I sent 'em a bill

[scottandgaye]

This is one of the funniest responses to a telemarketing call I have ever heard. I just wish I was that quick on my feet when they do call...Telemarketer

[thomasmnile]

obgraham wrote:
These guys are scummy enough, but my real anger is toward those who call up and try to convince seniors that their Medicare needs "activating" or they need a new card. Special place in Hades for those dirtballs.

My Social Security & Medicare "accounts" have been suspended 3x this year for "fraudulent activity" and warrants have been sworn for my arrest.

Laugh, hang up, block number, laugh some more. Wash, rinse, repeat. :B

[Gdetrailer]

Don't get me started on the Car warranty scams..

Still waiting for that clown to call me back about the warranty on my 76 Ford :M (we got disconnected when I told him the yr and model)..

For some reason they want your vehicle make, model, VIN number first.. I didn't even get to the VIN number before they hung up.. :B

For the most part, ignore those calls..

[obgraham]

These guys are scummy enough, but my real anger is toward those who call up and try to convince seniors that their Medicare needs "activating" or they need a new card. Special place in Hades for those dirtballs.