"Viruses on your computer" scam - who are the callers?

Discussion in 'other anti-virus software' started by nine9s, Jun 2, 2014.

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  1. nine9s

    nine9s Registered Member

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    I get hit with phone scams a lot. Had an experience that actually put it into perspective today.

    I got the computer service call about there being something wrong with my computer.

    I often go along with them and waste 5-10 minutes of their time, playing dumb in the tasks they ask me to do on my computer. After I get bored, I then ask them if they are proud with themselves being crooks, explaining I know what they are doing, and I am just wasting their time. Usually they either cuss and hang up or just hang up at that point.

    Today the guy stayed on the line. So I continued, asking if he looks in the mirror at night and is proud with himself, and asks if his grandparents would be proud of him. He just sat there, so I continued with more. He was silent. I then asked, why he was still on the line, after I called him out. Silence. I then asked, how long are you going to do scams like this. Silence. I then asked, if he will get into trouble for staying on the line after I called him out as a scammer. He said yes. I then asked, what are you a slave? a timid and short Yes was the reply. I then said I was sorry what I said about him personally and hope something is done to help his situation. He said in a timid voice, almost sounded like he was crying, "thank you sir" and I hung up.

    Do you think these people are slaves/prisoners/etc.? Or just con artist themselves?
     
  2. kjdemuth

    kjdemuth Registered Member

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    Con artists. Some of them might be put up to it in exchange for feeding their families. I think the majority are con artists working for someone.
     
  3. trott3r

    trott3r Registered Member

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    I expect it runs like the boiler room scams for shares in spains holiday resorts.

    ie a room with scammers paying for their holiday and money to get home run by a supervisor
     
  4. Securon

    Securon Registered Member

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    Good Evening! Their were T.V.Networks...both in Canada and U.S.A. exposing the Ammy Scam type Boiler Room Telemarketers. They originate primarily in India and Pakistan...where as we all know rampant unemployment and corruption are unfortunately ingrained in the societies. More info can no doubt be found on You Tube as well...although you have to be wary of the credibility and accuracy of the Posters. And there is already a large thread at Wilders specifically in reference to the Ammy Scam. Don't be to harsh with the messengers...put yourself in their shoes...if indeed you can even afford shoes...and display compassion. All you need do is simply Hang Up! Sincerely...Securon
     
  5. agoretsky

    agoretsky Eset Staff Account

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    Hello,

    One of my co-workers, David Harley, who has been tracking this scam extensively, had identified several of the companies involved as being located in Kolkata, India.

    Regards,

    Aryeh Goretsky
     
  6. subhrobhandari

    subhrobhandari Registered Member

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    I live near Kolkata, and everyday, if you look at the advertisements on the local newspapers here, many are about earning easy money from home using a computer and/or phone, a large fraction of which I suspect goes to such scams.
     
  7. nine9s

    nine9s Registered Member

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    Thanks for the replies. The call start haunts me as far as the sincere yes I received when I asked if he were a slave.

    So they are likely willingly doing it (I understand possibly desperate) but not slaves nor prisoners nor coerced against their will in some way?
     
  8. steve1955

    steve1955 Registered Member

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    let them talk to you for hours about the problems with windows on your computer,then at the end tell them the fixes you have tried don't seem to work on linux!
     
  9. Eggnog

    Eggnog Registered Member

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    My first question would be how would you possibly know what may or may not be wrong with my computer?
     
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