Someone with a heavy Indian(?) accent called and identified himself as a Windows technician, and told me that my computer was sending a signal that would allow hackers to access my identity and personal information. Although I'm 82 years old, I've been to this rodeo before, so decided to pull his chain by telling him that the piazza delivery man was at the door, told him I'd be right back, then put the phone down and watched the U.S. Open on television. Hung up the phone 10 minutes later and he was gone.
He called back about an hour later and said that he wasn't trying to sell me anything, but just wanted to warn me that my computer was at risk, and that I could avoid having my identity stolen by logging onto a certain web site. To make a dull story longer, he must have called me back 5 or 6 times, even after I hung up the phone after the third call. Then logged on to this site and learned that I wasn't the "Lone Ranger", and that these turkeys have been at this for a long time.

ditto

5/19/14 got a call from 978-555-5521 saying my computer had a bad virus and it was urgent that I let them fix it. Ho ho ho it's not April Fools Day. I said there's no way to prove you are calling from Microsoft so he offered this phone # 1-209-436-9644. SCAM ALERT.
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I too received a call from a very persistent man who said his name was William.  He wanted to service my computer that he said had a virus.  I hung up on him twice and he called me back.  When I asked for his number he gave me 209 436 9644.

Same story as all above.  same con job attempted, and I said I didn't buy it and he was a scammer!  He gave me this number to call to confirm his identity as a windows tech dept employee.   Glad I checked here to confirm it is a scam!  I know there is no Windows Co!  It's too bad there are enough suckers out there to keep these crooks going, bothering the rest of us too!  This has to be the 15th or so similar call from these scammers in the past 2 years!  I sure wish someone would shut them down!

Thanks for letting us know that this is a scam! It sounded very fishy to me, so I asked for a call-back #. I will never call back!

someone called me today, with an Indian accent, stating that something was wrong with my computer.  said he was calling from Microsoft Windows Care depart. and wanted me to  follow some steps with him to correct the problem. I refused.  he was very persistent . I knew something wasn't right when he said that the owner of the computer's name was Linda... he finally gave up, said he his name is Steven , gave me information to call him back.  beware... luckily I decided to search and found this website thank you

I just got a call from "James Warner", again, heavy Indian accent.  He said his company was a certified technician company for Microsoft. He said my computer was sending error messages to Micrsoft and it had been infected with malware or spyware.  He wanted me to tirn it on so he could fix it.  I thought it was a scam, but that became clearer when he kept saying that Microsoft builds the computers and his company fixes them. I called this number because I told him I needed to verify who he was. When I called, I got "Liam Joseph", another good Indian name.  He said the company was called OnlinePC Tech. He asked I'd I wanted to be transferred back to the technician, and I declined  and hung up. From what I've read above, I made a good decision.

Just got a call, on my landline, from a supposedly windows technician with a heavy Indian accent.  He claimed that they have been receiving some error messages from my computer and was calling to resolve the issue.  He started telling me that he believes it is a virus and would be very harmful to my software and would slowly harm my hardware over a period of time.  I really started having some genuine concerns as this was a brand new PC and a christmas gift to myself.  

Being the skeptic that i am, i started asking the agent some probing questions.  Do you work for Microsoft? His response "Yes". Next question that i posed was " Who is the current CEO of Microsoft? Let's just say he struggled to answer the question and his final response was not Satya Nadella.  At this time my suspicions increased so i requested that he provide me with the number he was calling from so that i could return his call, in case we got disconnected.  He provided me with a (209) 436-9644. I immediately used my cell to call the number and after awhile, another person with a heavy Indian accent answered the phone and again did not introduce himself or the Company.  

Still thinking that this was a scam, but was still not sure,....as i am always looking for the best in people.  I took to the internet and did a search on the phone number where my search returned this great thread which convinced me that this was a scam. I immediately hung up both phones and now looking for a way to take these guys down and spread the message.

Some helpful tips to identify a scam:
1. Person calling does not introduce themself or the Company they are calling from
2. The telephone number they are calling from comes up as private on your caller ID
3. You feel pressured to take some type of action or make an immediate payment
4. The situation is always dire and potentially harmful - fear tactics
5. A deal is a onetime offer and you have to act now

If confronted with a similar situation, it is okay to be a skeptic, ask probing questions and conduct a timely research before committing to anything.   I feel compelled to share my story and so should you.  

Thank you all for sharing your experience, it has saved me some time, money and prevented someone from violating my privacy.

Sincerely KDS

I got a call from this number today from a man with an Indian accent named "John Smith". Red flag right there. He was very demanding that I turn my computer on saying that I had a hacker and it needed to be taken care of now. My husband got on the phone and said we couldn't get on our computer right now and asked for his number so we could call him back (not). He gave us this number but did not want to get off the phone. Very persistent and annoying.

Ok, first of all, if anything was charged to your bank account, close it and get a new account with a new number. If anything was charged to a debit or credit card, ask your bank for a new one with a new number.

Ask your bank to reverse any charges made by this group of scammers.

If they have your personal info, and I assume they do, go ahead and place an alert on your credit report with the 3 major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) ....this is preemptive. If you do not want to take this step, please keep a very close eye on your credit report. If something shows up that you don't recognize, then definitely file the alerts.

You may also want to take your computer to a repair shop to be cleaned. You'll need to make sure your firewall and antivirus are both turned on.

Also, file reports with:
http://www.ftc.gov
http://www.fbi.gov
http://www.fcc.gov
your local law enforcement
your state's attorney general

OMG, I got scammed! HELP!

This group must be on a roll this month. Just received a call from this number, same heavy accent, same emergency virus, same....must sign on now! Actually questioned it for a minute as I have had a few problems with my computer,  but thank goodness my common sense kicked in.  Told him I knew nothing about computers and he would have to speak with my husband when he came home.  He was very persistent and said all I had to do was sign on.  When I told him I didn't know how to sign on, he actually became rude and said he didn't believe me....... I told him I didn't believe him either so. I guess we are even. I shut down my computer.  Hope they do something about these guys!!

I've gotten these before. This time it was a 209 number that showed up on my caller ID as "directory assistance". As soon as he started talking (Indian accent and "certified Microsoft technician" I laughed and said "Yeah right. I don't use Microsoft products" (I use a Mac) and then said "Good bye" very snarkily and hung up. I probably get one of these calls every couple of months. Idiots.

Ya,   Got he same call.
Asked me to turn on our computer to fix a problem.
Refused to varify his self.
Same accent.
Also gave me a I think an extension #    MSW 3824
and the 209 Phone #
Something not right.
1-15-14   at 1:40 PM.

To get rid of good old Jack, just point ask the following:

1. ask him to identify your service provider (he won't know)
2. Tell him you use Macintosh
3. Tell him he is a dirty hoaxer and ask for the number.

He will hang up. I personally found it rather marvellous to relieve the stress I was feeling from work today. Having a good yell does let out a whole lot of energy!

This number called, talked my Aunt into letting him into the computer which he then put a password on and locked up until we pay $250.

This are the facts when it comes to identifying a scam, not just with this number but all of them.  These "red f**s" also apply to e-mails as well.  I have over 15 years of technical service with many IT & computer manufactures technical software/hardware support so I know of what I speak.  First and foremost, no one would call you from "tech" support, ever, & the term is "technical" not "tech" another dead giveaway.  If any one did call you and said the're with the "Windows Company", it's a scam as, The Windows Company", does not exsist & It would be a Microsoft or Apple branded call & as I said before, technical support  will not call you, ever.  I sometimes like to play with these calls indicating in "general terms" that I am looking to replace my current windows.  The windows I am refering to have glass, a frame & a window sill.  This always pisses them off, which is another good way to stop unwanted calls. Technical support only hires individuals with good English communication skills (granted there are other support languages ie; Spanish) but not being able to understand someone with a thick accent is another "red flag".   Communication with support staff personnel is only done through e-mail or point of contact (you call them).  They will ask you to verify information asking "you" for the information & they will not ask for personal or financial information.  Most phones have call display these days, so look for a toll free number (ie 800/888/877...) & if they give you a specific area code to verify the call as legitimate (in this case 209) it's always a scam.  You could verify the support number on their website.  Asking for a website address will catch scammers off guard & will almost always get you, " oh...ah...uhm...well...er" or a song & dance about not being able to give out that information.  Never go to a website that anyone gives you either over the phone or in an e-mail.  Support personnel also do not give out their last name or where they are located, state or province is ok but never the city (for security reasons).  Never let anyone access your system even if you call for support & never keep personal information on your computer.  If they say they are calling on behalf of say, Microsoft for instance, instead send an e-mail & find out if the call is it is legitimate, legitimate companies want to hear from cutomers that are suspect of a possible scam (it can look bad on a company if someone falls prey even if the company is not involved).  Computer software providers do not monitor your system from a remote location so if someone calls & tells you you have a virus, malfuntion or what ever they just want's to sell you a useless piece of software that is suppose fix the problem, it's a scam & all the software does is give them access to your system.  If ever in dought, purchase McAfee or Norton antivirus/systemworks from a reputable store (not online).  Finally, watch out for TEAMVIEWER, it's a software program that will allow almost anyone unrestricted access to your computer & files & is almost impossible to get rid of short of running a debug script (a windows program that removes all partitions from your system) and then format & reinstall the operating system.  Just keep in mind if you didn't call them, it's probably a scam.  One thing that you can try, that I have had sucess with:  when it comes to callers that call repeatedly, you can block the number, or, you can delete the number from your call log & the next time they call (you will see the number on your call display) answer the call, but say nothing.  Not even hello.  Just stay on the line long enough to hear the call disconnect, DO NOT DISCONNECT THE CALL YOURSELF.  To be successful the disconnect must come from the other callers end.  Confuses the calling system & marks your number as non-viable (invalid) & calls will cease from that number.  Just be careful, use common sense & be suspect of such calls.   Or you could just say, "That's interesting, since I don't have a computer", the next sound you will hear will be the disconnect.  

Received a telephone call from this number to "clean up my computer".   Are they legitimate?  They gave me a five year contract for $150.00, charged to my Visa account.   They said they were connected with Microsoft.

Got a call from 1-425-668-9652 (calling ID) today but claimed from 209-436-9644 in California, with Indian accent. The call was regarding the problems on my Windows PC. Got this type of calls before and knew it was a scam. Asking his name, company name and department name so my friends in Microsoft can contact him. He said he was Adam (of course not real), and told me different company/department names as I kept asking the same question. When I asked why he did not know/had a unique department name, the idiot dropped the call ... game over.

Just rec'd a call here in BC from these coconuts.  I don't think one should play around with these guys.  If they are keeping you on an open line, there's a reason.  Don't try to spoof them.  You are not going to get any information from them that will help find them.

The number you see does not indicate where they are actually calling from.  They use multiple numbers.  As I was typing the previous line I got another coconut-call -- this one from 425-668-9652.  Could be a long day.

These are called "tech support scams" and the FTC already has a number of cases filed against them.

http://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams

I don't believe the FTC will take a complaint unless you actually lose money or are otherwise damaged.

Do not let these coconuts sell you anything, download anything, connect to your computer, or sniff your underwear.  They are creeps.

Thanks for this site.  Very helpful.  The drop-down Call Type box below needs to be updated to include "scam"

aray mader chod randi ka larka...tera maa ka boor moderchod...........tera maa ko chode....tera behan ko chode re mader chod.

Today on August 28, 2013 I have got similar call. First my sought was, that the guy is selling some software. I asked him directly, but he said "No".
He was trying to push me to turn the computer on. I have more then one computer, and I asked give me my computer IP, if it has some viruses. That guy with heavy accent provided me with my name, mail address and phone number. My next thought was, that it is scam. I asked his phone number, and he provided it. Then in a next few minutes I was trying to figure out, what does he want me to do. I concluded, that he wants to connect to my computer, probably for steeling some personal information.
I hang up on him, saying that I can't understand his too technical language and some other family member will call to him back.
I googled this ph number and found all posts. Thanks to everybody for the information.

I just got a telephone call from Peter too.  I had a good idea it was a scam.  Very strong accent.  Told him I couldn't understand him well...then he put on someone else.  A little easier to understand.  Wanted me to hold the Control key and windows key.  Said they were from Windows Service and they were getting error messages about my computer.  I told them I would like to verify who they were, and why they wanted into my computer.  I thanked them for notifying me of errors and said I would look into it on my own.  Said I would not be able to do this.  Told them I was at work and need to call them back.  Gave me phone number 1-209-436-9644.  Interesting, as the call display showed a different number when calling me...778-329-7238.

Ha, thank you for this forum, I too got a call around 6:30 EDT and the caller Id entified himeself as peter working for (The windows Company) he informed me that my computer was infected and sending messages and that i needed to get on the i-net, press and hold the ctrl and the R key for a few moments (Oh also very foreign accent, i complained that i could understand him just to see how slow i could make him talke) than after repeated efforts of the key pressing and holding (not really) I told him that I could see anything, the screen went blue and I could find the cursor, he switched me to his supervisor and i repeated my statement, then they hung up. Ten minutes or so goes by and they call again and introduce himself as Mike (again very thick accent and i dentified himself as a windows employee, and as he was getting ready with his speel, in my best Indian accent proceeded to cusshim for destroying my computer and to not ever call me again. I can't repeat what I said, you should've been there. I would not have been able to have this much fun without this forum, thanx again. I apologize if I have offended anyone but that was funny stuff.

This idiot just called me, and with a very heavy Indian accent said that his name is Adam Wilson.  He called yesterday and today!  He's tenacious, that's for sure.

June 20, 2013

Received a phone call from "Windows Technical Department" regarding a problem with my computer.  Heavily accented caller gave his number 209-436-9644 and said he was in San Diego.  I told him to call back later since I was busy.  Did some research and sounds as if I am not alone.  What can be done?

I just got the call from these people.  I knew immediately that it was a hoax, because the solicitor said he worked for Windows Company.  I love that!  "I work for Windows Company." in a thick Indian accent.  He told me to let him login with TeamViewer and I asked him for his phone number, which is how I found this site.  Anyway I trolled him along for about 30 minutes when I got bored and told him that I knew it was a scam.  I then told him he was "Evil".  Poor little crook, being told that he is "Evil". The funny thing was that they wouldn't hang up.  I wasn't obnoxious but it must be part of their approach to never hang up.  All in all, I had an enjoyable time talking to them.  I encourage everybody to call 209-436-9644 and waste as much of their time as you can.  Just make sure that you tell them that they are "Evil" before you let them go.

This is somewhat long, but it's a cautionary tale by someone who made one of the biggest mistakes of bad judgment in her life from receiving a call from 209-436-9644.  
I received a call at about 6 pm (PST) on 6/6/13 from Mark Warner, Windows Security Technician.  Heavy Indian accent.  I was afraid to let them access my computer so I asked them for their phone number which Mark gave me.  I called and received Jack Williams, head technical advisor (heavy Indian accent).  Unfortunately, I wasn't as smart as the rest of you, even though I had suspicions I allowed them to connect using TeamViewer.  They showed me tons of errors from 6/1/13.  That made me suddenly feel totally screwed because something happened on 6/1/13 as well.  When I went to my Yahoo email home page 6/1/13 there was a free download recommended by Windows to protect my computer.  I downloaded it, scanned my computer and it showed me problems.  Then was advised to purchase for $300 the lifetime plan recommended by Windows to solve these problems.  I immediately exited, tried to close the program and couldn't, then did tons of things to get it off my computer.  Then, I started getting these calls from 209-436-9644.  I wish I'd connected the dots.  When I talked to Jack Williams I started feeling like I was being strong armed by telling me I was hurting tons of people infecting them with a virus, etc.  He showed me tons of privacy and security statements and the payment form to complete.  I told him I wasn't doing it.  I called the Geek Squad who told me that Windows and Microsoft do not call and solicit anyone ever.  It was a scam and it's good I didn't give them my credit card information.  I contacted my Computer Manufacturer, who said to restore my computer back to a time previous to the initial contact on 6/1/13 and contact TeamViewer to get my password changed so they don't have a backdoor.  I'm still waiting on TeamViewer  to contact me even though they sent me an automatic response that I'd get a call.  I successfully restored my computer back to 5-26-13, so I believe I've eliminated any potential threat.  I ran a full scan using McAfee which did not detect any security issues.  To double check I went to Windows website and used their actual security program and ran a full scan which did not detect any threats, then I unistalled it because I already have McAfee.  I was so shaken by what I did that I even contacted my two credit card companies that I've made Internet purchases with and they suggested I put text alerts for all my purchases rather than getting a new card.  If anything is unauthorized I'll be alerted immediately and can alert them.  They said I wouldn't be held accountable for any unauthorized purchases.  Also, I checked all of my emails and stored files that might have financial information or social security info...anything that could be compromised.  Thank goodness I don't put much on my computer, I'm fairly private on email and do not do online banking.  I'm starting to feel a little more relaxed, but only after spending at least eight hours doing everything I can to rectify one of the worst things I could have ever done.  What a horrible lesson.

We have received numerous calls over the past year from the same  heavily accented people claiming to be from "Windows" and urgently wanting to help me solve my computer problems.  I have told them I am not allowed to touch my husbands computer, I don't know the passwords, he is working, etc. When my husband answers the phone he tells them to "F--- Off" and hangs up.  Nothing seems to deter them.  At one point they offered to send a tech to my house "it will be $100 cash maam"  whatever.  I will have to figure out how to block that number, better google that eh?