How the Microsoft/LogMeIn support scam works

Scammer: “I am calling with regards to your computer, Sir.”

BW: “My computer?”

Scammer: “Do you have a computer, sir?”

BW: “Yes. Isn’t that what you are calling about?”

Scammer: “Sir, we have information about bad data installed on all Windows computers, sir. We are calling every Windows user.”

BW: “How do you know I use Windows?”

Scammer: “Do you have a computer, sir?”

BW: “I think we established that I do.”

Scammer: “Is it a Windows computer, sir?”

BW: “Yes.”

Scammer: “We are calling you, sir, because you are registered [indecipherable].”

BW: “Sorry, how did you know I use Windows? Where am I registered?”

Scammer: “Because you are registered in Windows Operating Services.”

BW: “What company are you calling from?”

Scammer: “I am calling from Computer Maintenance Department.”

BW: “What company do you call from?”

Scammer: “From Online PC Manager, sir. You can see us on the internet. Do you have an internet browser?”

BW: “Yes.”

Scammer: “Go to www.onlinepcmanager.com ”

BW: “And where is this company based.”

Scammer: “South Erina, Melbourne, Sir.”

BW: “What do you propose to do about this problem with my computer”?

Scammer: “Are you in front of your computer right now?”

BW: “Yes. And it’s a Windows computer!”

Scammer: “See the Windows key on the bottom-left of your keyboard? Press that key and the letter R.”

BW: “Yes.”

Scammer: “What do you see?”

BW: “I see ‘Run’.”

Scammer: “Yes, now is there any text in the box?”

BW: “Yes.”

Scammer: “Delete that text and type “inf”.

BW: “Yes.”

Scammer: “Press enter.”

BW: “Yes.”

Scammer: “What can you see?”

BW: “A file window.”

Scammer: “You see these files? These are harmful files downloaded when you are browsing the internet.”

BW: “Oh, really?”

Scammer: “Yes. When you go on the internet and watch movies and all.”

BW: “I see.”

Scammer: “If you don’t do anything about it, the computer will work very, very slow sir.”

BW: “What do you propose we do about it?”

Scammer: “I’ll go ahead and connect you to a technician and they will help you out.”

BW: “Before you do that. Can I tell you something? I know exactly what this is about. I know that you are being paid to sit in a call centre, somewhere that is not in Melbourne, to make these calls...."