Geek Speak… Dialogue With Scammers

Issue 12.14

The telephone traffic from scammers has really accelerated recently. Many people are getting these phone calls and some are falling prey to these unscrupulous thieves who definitely don’t want to help you but definitely do want your money, your credit card info and possibly, your identity. I personally have received three of these calls in the last two weeks. Probably the best thing is to hang up on any call from someone telling you they have identified a problem with your computer. No one can do that without you giving them access to your computer unless they are hackers – not the kind of people you want in your computer in either case.

I am perverse at times so I have developed a couple of different ways to deal with these people that perhaps may do some good. Here is the text of my latest “conversation” with one of them. * is me.

*Hello.

My name is (fill in the blank) and I am from (fill in the blank). We have found serious problems on your computer and I need your help to fix the problems.

*Thanks. Before we begin, I need to get your full name and a phone  number where I can call you back.

Sir, you do not need that. I am here to help you right now.

*I understand, but the only way I will allow you access to my computer is if I have your full name and phone number and then call you back. If you are with a legitimate company that should not be a problem for you.

Sir, this is a legitimate company and we are trying to help you fix your computer. You do not need to call me back. (These two sentences were repeated a few times)

*I am sorry. This is the only way I can work with you. I am very sorry that you feel you have to work for a company that ruins people’s computers and takes their money. You must be very desperate if you are willing to do such terrible things just to get money. I hope your conscience will bother you enough that you will stop working for such criminal people and stop helping them do these horrible things.

Sir, I am just trying to help you and ~mumble, mumble, etc.~

*We can continue to talk about this if you will give me your name and phone number so I can call you back.

~click~  ~dial tone~

I don’t know if it will do any good. I don’t know if this one person will stop doing what they are doing. But I feel that I have done what I can to stop at least this one person from hurting people and ruining their computers. I can fix what they do, but that costs people money in addition to what he takes from them.  It’s hard to do it this way and for most people, it’s probably better to just hang up. If you do want to try this, just remember DO NOT GIVE ANYONE YOU DON’T KNOW ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER! And remember to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.

Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.