One of my favorite tech sites is ARS Technica. There is a post dated today 10/20/15 regarding a fake Mac support scam. It is similar to the fake support scams that have plagued Windows users for some time.
If you are a user Mac of products, the article may help prevent you from being swindled.
btw: If you're a Windows user and you receive and unsolicited phone call, see a web page or e-mail from someone purporting to be from 'Windows' or Microsoft saying you have lots of errors, or viruses on your computer, it's a scam. Hang up if it's a phone call. If it's a web page, or an e-mail with links, close the web page, or delete the e-mail. Do not click any links.
--P
Posted by Brian Gatlin on October 20, 2015 at 6:48 PM
The "Windows" people used to call me all the time about the security problems with my computer. Which was funny since I have a Mac. So I would string them along for a while and then tell them I know what they're doing. Often with humorous results (if you find threats and profanity funny--I usually did).
Posted by Richard Ditch on October 21, 2015 at 11:41 AM
Like Brian I've received a number of unsolicited calls from windows scammers telling me about problems with my computer and wanting access to fix it. But when they can't even tell you what system and OS you're running why would anyone beleive they have knowledge about anything wrong and how to fix it?
But when they can't even tell you what system and OS you're running why would anyone beleive they have knowledge about anything wrong and how to fix it?
Richard, the scammers likely make literally thousands of calls hoping to prey upon those who are not particularly computer literate. Many of the foks they bilk are seniors who use their computer for Web surfing, social media, and e-mail. The scammers attempt to instill the fear of possible data loss, etc. in the people they call. So, for someone who does not understand how their computers really work will often fall for the scam.
It is up to all of us to ensure that our families and friends are made aware of the potential of being scammed and how to tell when a caller is not legitimate.
Discussion
3 repliesIf you are a user Mac of products, the article may help prevent you from being swindled.
Support scams that plagued Windows users for years now target Mac customers
btw: If you're a Windows user and you receive and unsolicited phone call, see a web page or e-mail from someone purporting to be from 'Windows' or Microsoft saying you have lots of errors, or viruses on your computer, it's a scam. Hang up if it's a phone call. If it's a web page, or an e-mail with links, close the web page, or delete the e-mail. Do not click any links.
--P
It is up to all of us to ensure that our families and friends are made aware of the potential of being scammed and how to tell when a caller is not legitimate.
--P