MPs want clearer advice on online fraud, so do we!

Have had scams – but very easy to spot – as they demand a reply or your ID or click on to access the “website”. I ignore all “cold internet callers”.

I have reported one or two to the real companies concerned when they seemed very plausible – they were not acknowledged.

Have had one case of card fraud where someone took £3.50 out of my card account (I check my financial position every other day) – I reported it to the bank – but the fraudster still took a further £300 out of it a couple of days later – Reported it again – Changed card number – Bank reimbursed the cash.

I normally say no thank you to these calls which I receive on a regular basis. On a recent occassion I was experiencing problems with internet explorer and the caller was convincing. He wanted remote access to my computer and that set alarm bells ringing. His supervisor came onto the line and told me that my computer had been hacked and hew knew this because they were given the information by Microsoft and that if I visited there website it would confirm that they were listed as a microsoft local aghent. I did so while holding on and it did indeed say that. The Company name is ­gtechsupport. I told them that I would contact microsoft direct as I was not convinced;which I did. Microsoft said that they would never subcontract information and would deal with any such matters direct with the customer. Gtech called me back a day later and I told their supervisor that I thought the whole thing was a scam.

I deal with all cold callers in the same way. I tell them that I do not respond to cold callers and put the phone down. If it purported to be a company that I normally have dealings with I might give them more of a hearing but wouldn’t give any personal details or access to my computer and would ask them to write/email ( the genuine company would already hold the necessary details). I always remain extremely guarded when answering the phone to someone I don’t know.

Mostly the calls show up on the ‘phone as “International Out of Area”, and I just do not bother answering those. If I do answer I like to let them talk a bit, making the occasional grunting noises of surprise or what seems appropriate. When they get to the bit about they can help, I like to ask them again who they are, as often they introduce themselves as Microsoft, and throw in Windows as many times as they can, eventually they will admit they are not Microsoft, and I then get them to tell me the name of their company. If they haven’t rung off yet I ask them how they know I have a problem – they nearly always reply they have received a report from Microsoft, my next question is then how do Microsoft know. They reply that my computer sent it. I know for a fact that these reports are made, but Microsoft does not share the information, especially as most are not traceable back to the user anyway. My next step is to tell either – my computer has not been working for weeks, my computer is not connected to the internet, I don’t have a computer, I’m running on Linux, The call frequently ends abruptly at this point. If it doesn’t I usually thank them for their time and say I do not wish to participate in their scam – please delete my name from their records. The calls then dry up for quite a while.

My response to a recent “microsoft” call telling me about viruses downloading onto my computer was “This is a scam. You know it is. Get yourself a decent job” Phone down. Very satisfying!

My response to a recent microsoft call about viruses downloading was
“This is a scam. You know it is. Get yourself a decent job”
Phone down. Very satisfying!

The problem is Deregulation from the Government & no responsibility or ethics from those in charge leading to institutionalised fraud with police colluding . Advice? From a Call Centre?.Head Offices have been disbanded in fact many are these Call centres directed by sole accountants for their own gain when Governments, Customer & public services do it we are on a hiding to nothing . Yesterday it was the Police not recognising fraud from Harley St & Internet .Often it is the Banks, Media Regulatory organisations & Charities.
DECONSTRUCT & bring back the Managers with Discretion & Compensation.This is false economy.The Government needs to take a firm line.

I have just had one of these calls advising that there is a problem with my PC. I told the caller he was a sham and put the ‘phone down. What really annoys me is that the caller addressed me by name. How do they know this and from whom? Two or three times a day we get unsolicited calls from ‘abroad’ again all knowing our names and what’s more our ex directory ‘phone number. Yes, were are signed up with TPS (recently rechecked) but know they don’t protect against outside UK callers. I just wish there was a satisfying way of getting revenge against these pests!!

If a phone call i leave the phone of the hook!!
I type ” I don’t believe it!!!”

Try answering in Welsh (“Shamm-eye” is the phonetic for ‘Hello’ for example). The start talking ‘welsh’ – as in
“ABBAFLYARF” + “DIM SHARRAG CUMRYDE” {I do not speak welsh [almost phonetic]} along with things like “PONTYPREETH, ABERTOWY C*M-BYE-YER”.
I find it great fun; theraputic and it really hisses them off!!!!