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Alert

Phone scam originating from India

May 17, 2016 12:22PM PDT

I received my SECOND scam attempt this week (the first was about 7 weeks ago).
I answered the International call (I can only remember that the number started with 002 which is 'International' and then it's anybody's guess!) with my normal Dutch greeting.
A female with an Indian accent then asked if I spoke English.
This being their 2nd attempt to reduce my bank balance, I was immediately on my guard and I answered, with a pronounced Dutch accent even though my English is near perfect having been born and raised in London before I emigrated to Holland some 37 years ago.
The woman launched into her Microsoft routine saying that my computer was showing serious anomalies.
At this point, I interrupted her and said this was absolutely impossible as I work with an iMac which carries no Microsoft software either in the OS or apps. I followed quickly with 'good bye' and hung up even though she was already in mid-sentence!
And I wasn't telling fibs either as I converted 6 weeks ago to Apple and have divorced myself from all things Microsoft!
My son-in-law has been working in IT for many years and told me the first time around that this scam has been in existence since the '80's but is normally targeted at English speaking communities.
It seems, unfortunately, to have reached Holland where a good percentage of the populace actually do speak reasonably good English.
I can only hope they will now remove my telephone number from their listing although I won't be holding my breath.
There is no way to report this action to any authorities as the culprits are based outside Europe and have to be caught red-handed in the country of origin.
I've never been taken in by scammers as I know that Microsoft nor Apple will call anyone of their own volition. I'm happy to talk to Apple techies but this is usually when I have arranged for them to ring me at a specific time or if I have to call them for any reason.
Most of us have probably been the recipient of a Nigerian letter from a so-called Prince saying we should invest x amount of money in order to obtain twice the sum at a later date. The very few people who have ever tried a more personal approach by ringing our doorbell are quickly met with a closed door and a 'no thank you'!
Any Dutch reading this should be aware that Holland is currently being targeted by scammers so be ready for them and don't get suckered in. They will give you all sorts of technical information which is pretty standard for each computer although is sounds as if they 'know' your system. They will then ask you to download a program to allow them to 'share' your system. This app requires payment of approximately €200-300. And this doesn't go into the bank account of the program makers which are, by the way, bone fide and totally ticked off that their software is being used in this scam, but straight into the pockets of the scammers. Dozens of scam groups have been rolled up in India over the years but they are still popping up out of the ground like mushrooms!!
Having got this all off of my chest I can happily say that I believe I made a perfect decision to move away from all things Microsoft when I did and am really happy with my iMac (*_*)

Discussion is locked

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Re: scam
May 17, 2016 12:48PM PDT

Since you said you're using an iMac you're now on the Apple owners list probably. So don't be too surprised if you get a phone call from Apple shortly, telling you something is wrong with your iMac and they are ready to fix it if you give them access. What a good service from Apple!

Post was last edited on May 17, 2016 12:49 PM PDT

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Scam
May 17, 2016 5:12PM PDT

Your one of the informed few.

90+% of users think they have a home entertainment machine and are totally clueless about how it functions.

That's a big market for the scammers.