I got this call a few days ago. It was from the Technical Department of my Windows Computer called Global IT. As he puts it they are the “job workers of the Windows”. An Indian guy calling himself Sam informed me that my computer has been sending them errors and warnings. 🙂
I was just going to have a few minutes of fun with the guy but when he asked if I was the owner of the computer it gave me some time to start a recording and start from the beginning with the guy. They have you open the Event Viewer and look at the errors and warnings. I guess this is enough of a convincer to some that backs up their bogus claims.
I was using my laptop computer so I went along with his requests until they wanted to remotely log onto my machine. I said that my internet wasn’t working and he should call back, when they called back I had them play with a fresh copy of Windows XP running in a virtual machine. I let them go through the entire scam until they got to the pitch where they say they can provide a new Windows maintenance warranty for a fee. They wanted immediate payment so I simply told him that I didn’t have a cent. I am wondering what type of phone service they are using to direct their calls from their 646-867-3751 number? I would think the scammers could be tracked down by the person paying for this number.
Update (December 8, 2011): See part 3 where they made a fresh cold call. |
The video is quite long, here are the highlights.
- 1:00 Initial description of problem.
- 6:20 Explanation of problems.
- 19:55 Funny accent by same guy calling himself Jack Morris, the senior supervisor.
- 35:05 Phone call from Jack Morris.
- 35:30 Virtual Machine setup shown.
- 36:15 Call back to Global IT.
- 39:20 The remotely log onto the computer.
- 47:30 The diagnosis of their full system check. 🙂 It sounds like it might disconnect from the Microsoft Mother Server soon!
- 49:20 What their warranty covers.
- 50:45 Cost of the warranty options.
- 52:25 Their 15 year warranty seems to be interchangeable with a lifetime warranty.
- 52:45 Online request for payment.
- 1:01:00 Alternative payment option request.
- 1:06:20 The extended warranty that ends today is extended.