Error messages on Windows system management

[swogden]

While this is not specifically related to FC, the issue probably affects all of us to some extent.

I received a phone call today from "Windows Service" area and was told my computer was sending error messages to them and they were checking with me about what might be happening to my computer.  (Sounds good, but since Windows/Microsoft won't give me the time of day without a service contract, I was a little leary).

The fellow directed me to an area of my computer management system that show a long list of error messages. 

When I viewed the text of the messages, they were generally ones where Windows was unable to identify the  registry of the web page that was trying to access my computer (I think) and they blocked access.  (This does not surprise me since Avast - my security software -- also blocks incoming sites that they view as being a security risk and they tell me frequently that they have done so.  One of the problems of viewing ads.)

I didn't pursue the discussion with the fellow on the phone because I figured it was just a scam -- a scare technique to drum up some business for whatever he/his organization was selling.  (some sort of security measure)

I did run Malwarebyte on both my computers and confirmed there were no viruses/malware on either computer.

Does anyone have any insight to add to this situation?

Have you received a similar phone call -- if so, what did you do?

[BlackSheepNY]

While this is not specifically related to FC, the issue probably affects all of us to some extent.

I received a phone call today from "Windows Service" area and was told my computer was sending error messages to them and they were checking with me about what might be happening to my computer.  (Sounds good, but since Windows/Microsoft won't give me the time of day without a service contract, I was a little leary).

The fellow directed me to an area of my computer management system that show a long list of error messages. 

When I viewed the text of the messages, they were generally ones where Windows was unable to identify the  registry of the web page that was trying to access my computer (I think) and they blocked access.  (This does not surprise me since Avast - my security software -- also blocks incoming sites that they view as being a security risk and they tell me frequently that they have done so.  One of the problems of viewing ads.)

I didn't pursue the discussion with the fellow on the phone because I figured it was just a scam -- a scare technique to drum up some business for whatever he/his organization was selling.  (some sort of security measure)

I did run Malwarebyte on both my computers and confirmed there were no viruses/malware on either computer.

Does anyone have any insight to add to this situation?

Have you received a similar phone call -- if so, what did you do?

This is really quite interesting.  To be honest with you, I've never heard of anything like it.  Glad you realized this is a major scam, either to sell you some junk you don't really need - or - which to me would be MUCH worse - some fool looking to gain access to your computer remotely.  Apparently, looking on the web, this has been a scam for quite a while now.  See Youtube video, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cueN1-2lANA

[swogden]

Thank you, BlackSheepNY.  That is exactly what was I hearing. 

Glad I called a halt to it before it got to the point of giving them remote control.

After I hung up the phone, I received at least 5 additional phone calls -- probably from the same organization -- that I let my answering machine answer (no message left).  They are truly persistent!

Thanks for the Youtube video.

It confirmed my suspicions and I recommend anyone reading this to view the video so you can avoid being scammed.

[Mojoshog]

Had this same thing happen to me. Pretty sure it is just a scam. They try to convince you there are problems with your computer because you have some events in your operating system. Total BS.