My Perspective and Adventures
Did You Ask Tech Support To Call You?
This is a fictitious tale about a phone call. It’s based on a early morning phone call from someone who identified himself as a Microsoft Windows representative. It was a typical day at my computer.
The sun is shining with not a cloud in the sky. Those were my first thoughts when I sat down at my computer. I press the ON button, and my laptop is ready for action, usually. Oh, what’s happening? Try again. Tap briskly. Think not this thought — my computer isn’t making a sound. And it’s such a beautiful day.
My phone rings. I answer before the third ring. My computer’s hard drive sounds like it’s coming on strong.
Hello,
You can hear an audible sound of relief in my voice when I greet the caller.
Fake Help Comes Calling
My name is David from Microsoft Windows Support,
the caller replies confidently.
There’s a serious issue with your computer,
he exclaims.
A stroke of luck! It’s tech support. A crazy coincidence?
He tells me he needs access to my computer. I’m thinking tech support staff usually simply say what to click when they're troubleshooting. Remote assistance is a last-ditch effort. Maybe he’s new on the job.
Time to Hang Up
He speaks quickly now and asks for my credit card details. I knew his help wouldn’t be free. He repeats he needs remote access.
I interrupt.You’re calling from Microsoft?
Something is crazy confusing,
I tell him.
You can’t help me at all unless you’ve a special remote tool.
He doesn’t respond. Nor did I wait for his response. The call ended abruptly when I informed him that the logo on the lid of my laptop was the iconic APPLE.
Note to Reader
Of course, his call surprised me. Recalling other people’s experiences helped me when
he identified himself. My response was,No you aren’t a tech support staff. You’re
a scam.
And I hung up. I didn’t bother to ask how he got my phone number.
Did I send a message that trying to catch people off guard isn’t a best practice tactic? Apparently not, calls like this one haven’t stopped.
How To Handle an Unwelcome SMS
Do not click. Delete this is the instruction that every company wants you to follow.
