S1OPP

This is a warning about a scam that I have just been made aware of.

Yesterday, my brother took a phone call from somebody that claimed to be working for Microsoft, offering to 'repair' a fault on his computer.

My Brother wasn't aware that his computer had a fault, but didn't have time right then to look at it, and asked the caller to phone back later.

In the mean time, my sister-in-law spoke to me, I recommended that if they called back to take a number. I work in IT and would be better able to help with the PC.

This evening "Microsoft" called again. The conversation went like this.....

Brother: "Would it be possible to take your number, so that my Brother can call you back. He's a Microsoft Support Manager and would like some more infomation about the problem"

"Microsoft": "If your brother works in IT why hasn't he fixed the fault"

Brother: "Because I didn't know I had a problem"

CLICK......Beep <phone hung up>

This person clearly did NOT work for Microsoft
There is no problem with the PC
Microsoft do NOT cold call people offering to fix PCs

Without knowing what they were doing my brother could have easily given this person the ability to compromise the security of the PC and gain access to the data on it, and also install trojans/key loggers to record ANY online activity.

If you get an unexpected call - DO NOT under any circumstances give them access you your PC, no matter how convicing they are.

If they are geniuine, they should at the very least be able to give you a support case number and you should contact Microsoft on one of their published support numbers and quote the support case number.