General Discussion

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)

18. That's usually my reaction, but not always.

Sat Aug 9, 2014, 05:46 PM

Aug 2014

Sometimes I get the call when I'm doing something that doesn't require my complete attention. I can keep on with my task while stringing along the scammer. I ask them all sorts of stupid questions but sound positive enough to keep them hoping that I might fall for it.

My goal is to have one of them hang up on me, but I've never achieved that. They're remarkably patient, and they'll keep up with the scam longer than I'll keep up with the counterscam. Eventually I get bored, tell them off, and hang up.

Nevertheless, I figure it's a public service. The time he spent talking with me was time he wasn't calling someone else who might fall for it.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

60 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

So I just got a call from India about "Windows operating system on your computer." [View all] hedda_foil Aug 2014 OP

Well, that's your problem right there. You've got Windows on your computer ;) nt Erich Bloodaxe BSN Aug 2014 #1

At least windows don't rot like Apples whistler162 Aug 2014 #42

At least with Windows 7 the Blue Screen of Death is gone... awoke_in_2003 Aug 2014 #47

Yep, that's the root cause of the problem, right there! n/t RKP5637 Aug 2014 #53

"Microsoft never provides support for the Windows operating system" SunSeeker Aug 2014 #2

Technically that is true Paulie Aug 2014 #4

I've gotten those. Spider Jerusalem Aug 2014 #3

I've been telling them that I got tired of all the calls from Microsoft csziggy Aug 2014 #10

That's about like ordering JUST THE TACOS on Taco Tuesday and when they ask if you want a drink,... Spitfire of ATJ Aug 2014 #23

Exactly. csziggy Aug 2014 #37

A lot of these scammers employ people who don't even know they're working for a scammer. Spitfire of ATJ Aug 2014 #41

Good job! customerserviceguy Aug 2014 #51

I've gotten a call too about my Windows system brush Aug 2014 #60

I tell them my computer is running DOS. hobbit709 Aug 2014 #5

I tell them I use Ubuntu or Free BSD. Initech Aug 2014 #31

I got a phone call once PowerToThePeople Aug 2014 #6

So, hedda_foil, how do you feel so far about posting this thread? NBachers Aug 2014 #7

I'm glad I posted it as a reminder to non-geek DUers that these calls are scams. hedda_foil Aug 2014 #11

they're probably more knowledgeable than the real tech support Skittles Aug 2014 #8

! DeSwiss Aug 2014 #21

That one seems to be going around. Generally.. Triana Aug 2014 #9

Scam. Warren DeMontague Aug 2014 #12

My 97-year-old mother got that call too. JDPriestly Aug 2014 #13

I've gotten a couple of those. I just hang up. I don't have the time or the inclination to play CTyankee Aug 2014 #14

I do the same thing. greatauntoftriplets Aug 2014 #16

That's usually my reaction, but not always. Jim Lane Aug 2014 #18

I hope you tell them that. Let them know that they have just wasted their precious time trying CTyankee Aug 2014 #19

I'm ambivalent about how nasty to be. Jim Lane Aug 2014 #43

They usually give up on me after I demand a phone number so I can call them back Hekate Aug 2014 #15

Thank you you for the PSA, hedda! Cha Aug 2014 #17

Links to the articles mentioned + my response to the guys working the scam intaglio Aug 2014 #20

Can't believe people answer the phone abelenkpe Aug 2014 #22

You beat me to it PasadenaTrudy Aug 2014 #24

You must not believe in Skype then. truebluegreen Aug 2014 #35

No I skype abelenkpe Aug 2014 #38

Because when you are calling over the internet truebluegreen Aug 2014 #45

They would be expecting your call then abelenkpe Aug 2014 #48

someone once suggested playing along with them and keeping them on the line JI7 Aug 2014 #25

If I have time, I squeal" REALLY? let me go check." elfin Aug 2014 #26

I got those , I tell them I threw my computer out.lol SummerSnow Aug 2014 #27

Give the phone to your three year old Mr.Bill Aug 2014 #28

I got a call from a nice lady this week on my cell "...on behalf of Amigo Energy and Centerpoint txwhitedove Aug 2014 #29

I'd hang up on them immediately -it's a scam. Initech Aug 2014 #30

We get one of these about every other week MurrayDelph Aug 2014 #32

I received a steady stream for awhile, then said I would report to Attorney General suffragette Aug 2014 #58

This Is a Scam Wolf Frankula Aug 2014 #33

Did I Ever Shut These Folks up Good RadicalGeek Aug 2014 #34

That one's getting really, really old. nt mr blur Aug 2014 #36

I just tell em I have a Mac household. littlewolf Aug 2014 #39

I have a problem missingfink Aug 2014 #40

Download the free version of MalwareBytes SwankyXomb Aug 2014 #46

Bookmark this website to find out who and what these calls are: freshwest Aug 2014 #44

I use this one that works pretty good airplaneman Aug 2014 #50

That's the one I used to use, but began the other. 800 is about scams, mostly. Thanks. freshwest Aug 2014 #52

I don't answer a phone call if I don't know who it is. airplaneman Aug 2014 #49

Yep, same here ... n/t RKP5637 Aug 2014 #54

I got that type of call treestar Aug 2014 #55

The classic way to deal with any junk caller - IDemo Aug 2014 #56

Although I've never been brave enough to try it Revanchist Aug 2014 #57

Immediately ask them if they want your credit card number, so they can fix it.... ChromeFoundry Aug 2014 #59