08009770035

I got a phone call from an "unavailable caller".  I was simply curious, so I answered it.  The guy had some kind of Indian accent, and said his name was Frederick. He asked if my computer was on, which it is usually.  He said my computer was sending out something out on the internet (I don't remember his exact words), and told me to press down the Windows key and r at the same time.  I was naturally suspicious.  I pressed down the Windows key, then I pressed the letter r --- but not at the same time.  I saw something I had never seen before, although I had not followed his instructions.  I said, "Wait a few moments."  The next thing I did was do a Google search about what would happen if I dd push them together, and I saw that one of them had to do with hacking.  I told the guy what I found, and hung up.  Amazingly, the phone rang a few minutes later, and it was likely the same caller.  I did not answer the second time, needless to say!  It pays to be careful.

Had a call last night from Anna. Again, a very strong Indian accent.
Insisted that they worked on behalf of Microsoft, BT and that they were getting messages about corrupt files on my PC. They even managed to remotely show me the files in question.
They gave me an address and toll free number.
Am still very unsure about this, and would like to know how they managed to get hold of my telephone number as I am X-directory.

Had a call off these guys- I don't recall the name of the chap, but he was certainly indian sounding. He gave me an 0800 number to contact and an email address help@helponline.com to contact.

I asked for a physical address which he gave an somewhere in Crawley (I didn't catch the address).

He came out with the speil about they'd been had reports of my PC being slow, so I asked where they got my number from. They said my service provider gave them my number so I asked them to confirm who my service provider was - The coudn't! So I strung him along for a bit, even asking him which PC was giving the reports (I have 2 pc's and 3 laptops networked)  (even 'accidentaly' cutting him off - He rang back a few mins later) before letting him know I've worked in IT since I left school and I know my way round PCs, that the call had been traced (it hadn't) and that I would be reporting it to trading standards and to the police (Oh, and I forgot to mention on here!!)

My advice, if you have the time and inclination and you can do it without cracking up, string them along for as long as you can. Act dumb, let them waste their time dealing with you (and if you can record it too)

Make notes and get as much information off them as possibe, then pass it onto trading standards, police, or anyone you can think of that can deal with them!! :-)

I take it you work for them then?? :-)

I got a scam call from www.helppconline.com today and wished that I had discovered this blog earlier!

As three of the letters in their website name suggests, I later discover that it's a con company!

I received a call from a guy with strong Indian accent. He said he's from Microsoft and received reports from my broadband provider that I have problems on my computer. I said I had not reported any problems at all. He then said when my computer has problem online it sends a message to Microsoft blah blah. He said Microsoft is looking after its customer and offers free service etc.  Anyway, he sounded quite convincing and I didn't really understand the technicalities. He asked me to switch on my computer, press the Window and r key at the same time. He asked me to type eventvwr in the Event View Run pop up box. It shows that my laptop has about 7100 error and warning messages. He said this is causing my computer to slow down (true, it's been slow for some time) and that there's a risk my computer may crash one day.

So he said his technicians can solve the problem but I would need to register first and it would cost £6.63 per month. He gave me his name (Peter Jom, which sounds so dodgy) and his direct line (0203 026 3248). He also gave the company's free helpline (0800 977 0035) and company address (4 Century House etc), accreditation etc. I thought, I would just try it for one month and cancel straight away after the problem is solved. So I foolishly gave away my credit card details (ugh! I must be still asleep!!). However, I was still cautious and having the scrooge inside me, I asked him to reconfirm how much in total will be charged. He said it's £79.99 for one year subscription, which works out as about £6.63 a month. I was not prepared to part with any money, so he offered £59.99 for 6 months. I hesitated, so he reduced it to £39.99 for 3 months, since I'm a privileged Microsoft customer (but I thought I never register with Microsoft!). I still was not convinced as I have never used or paid for IT support; how do I know it would work? Also my computer is working fine apart from being slow sometimes.  I questioned how they can remotely fix my problem (I thought they cannot connect to my network at home, unlike IT support in an office). I tried to hang up by telling him that I am busy, need some thinking time and call back later. He said I don't need to do anything, the technician will work on my computer to fix the applications - it would only take 40-45 minutes. I thought, how is that possible?

He said what do you worry about, that they support many Microsoft users worldwide, comply with Data Protection and its experienced technicians have worked at Microsoft. He demonstrated how the company can remotely repair my computer by referring me to a New Customer log in area, under Live Support tab on its website. I only needed to type my first name and my home phone number, and a pop up box similar to instant messenger pops up. It says a technician called Neil was online to help and chat. I still wasn't convinced and told 'Peter Jom' that I was worried about the privacy or loss of my personal files. So he transferred me to a 'senior technical officer' to  answer my queries.

This officer, also with a strong Indian accent, is called Victor. However, I could still hear 'Peter Jom' in the background, it sounded like these guys sat next to each other! 'Victor' mentioned a lot of technical things, but by this point (after already wasted about an hour), I couldn't absorb a word. I became suspicious as I checked the website: it has nothing to do with my internet provider or Microsoft! I googled the company as he talked and I saw a string of results linking this website to a scam. I hang up immediately and closed down the remote access instant messenger box! I should have hung up earlier! I hope no harm is done to my computer, having read the comment above re hacking. They kept calling several times but I didn't answer or just hang up. I also called my credit card company immediately to block any potential fraudulent transactions (since I didn't agreed to any service) and immediately cancel the card.

I wish I have read this Guardian article sooner! I feel like a complete fool!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/18/phone-scam-india-call-centres

I also read the comments on this blog - the number concerned 0800977 0035 is indeed the helpline number 'Peter' gave me.

In hindsight, this company sounds so dubious in so many ways. The website, the names of the caller (English name with a strong Indian accent), the persistent calls. He sounded like he was reading a script (which he probably was!) I later tried the New Customer log in under the Live Support tab on their website, typing Peter's name and tel number instead of mine. Surprisingly, a box also popped up. I didn't dare to save any files of course, in case it downloads a virus. This proves that any monkeys can log onto their New Customer website. I also didn't receive any confirmation email as he promised.

Someone needs to shut down their website!

Hi there,

I also got the same kind of call today from a guy who had a strong Asian Accent, few hours ago from HelpPcOnline. Earlier, I was also stuck by the company's name as never heard of it before. He just wasted an hour with his stories which you mentioned below. M also not a techy guy so don't know much about the computer issues though my computer was working slow and freezing since a long time. I told them that I don't believe them so asked him to fix my problem first before paying them.

They shared my computer screen with one someone, they said it would be one of their technician and will call back later once the problem will be solved. I was their for more than an hour watching my computer screen just in case if they try to act smart A** ;-) then I'll report to the police about them. Suddenly, a dialog box popped up asking to run any of the application or try any website so I did the same. Surprisingly magic!!!! my computer was working better than before and the freezing problem was gone. I was controlling my emotions :-D  and told them still not sure as I do not use my computer frequently. They offered £ 39.99 for 3 months and said, after that if I would like to continue then it would be my decision.

They gave me 0800 977 0035 as their free helpline and support@helppcline.com e-mail address. As it was long that I have not checked my e-mails due to the problem going on and there was another surprise, I got an e-mail from the e-mail address which they gave me earlier (quiet impressive). Lets see, I have just agreed for 3 months and Thank God!!! my computer is up and running normal so I am  happy now coz maybe I had to spent more than I have paid now.

Cheers and Thx!!!!! B-)

Hi there,

I also got the same kind of call today from a guy who had a strong Asian Accent, few hours ago from HelpPcOnline. Earlier, I was also stuck by the company's name as never heard of it before. He just wasted an hour with his stories which you mentioned below. M also not a techy guy so don't know much about the computer issues though my computer was working slow and freezing since a long time. I told them that I don't believe them so asked him to fix my problem first before paying them.

They shared my computer screen with someone, they said it would be one of their technician and will call back later once the problem will be solved. I was their for more than an hour watching my computer screen just in case if they try to act smart A** ;-) then I'll report to the police about them. Suddenly, a dialog box popped up asking to run any of the application or try any website so I did the same. Surprisingly magic!!!! my computer was working better than before and the freezing problem was gone. I was controlling my emotions :-D  and told them still not sure as I do not use my computer frequently. They offered £ 39.99 for 3 months and said, after that if I would like to continue then it would be my decision.

They gave me 0800 977 0035 as their free helpline and support@helppcline.com e-mail address. As it was long that I have not checked my e-mails due to the problem going on and there was another surprise, I got an e-mail from the e-mail address which they gave me earlier (quiet impressive). Lets see, I have just agreed for 3 months and Thank God!!! my computer is up and running normal so I am  happy now coz maybe I had to spent more than I have paid now.

Cheers and Thx!!!!! B-)

Whatever mate!!! I just know that I am happy :) hardly matters what others think of it...

That's not correct

Microsoft reveals extent of phone scam

http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/microsoft-reveals-extent-of-phone-scam-june11

Microsoft has found that thousands of people have received fraudulent phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the company. The fraud is said to cost each victim more than £500. [17 June 2011]

The scam works by criminals posing as computer security engineers and calling people at home to tell them they are at risk of a computer security threat. The scammers tell their victims they are providing free security checks and add authenticity by claiming to represent legitimate companies and using telephone directories to refer to their victims by name.

Once they have tricked their victims into believing they have a problem and that the caller can help, the scammers are believed to run through a range of deception techniques designed to steal money.

Microsoft scam survey

To establish the extent of this emerging form of Internet fraud, Microsoft surveyed 7,000 computer users in the U.K., Ireland, U.S. and Canada. The survey showed that across all four countries, 15% of people had received a call from scammers. In Ireland this rose to 26%.

Of those who received a call, 22%, or 3% of the total survey sample, were deceived into following the scammers’ instructions, which ranged from permitting remote access to their computer and downloading software code provided by the criminals to providing credit card information and making a purchase.

The vast majority (79%) of people deceived in this way suffered some sort of financial loss. Seventeen percent said they had money taken from their accounts, 19 percent reported compromised passwords and 17% were victims of identity fraud. More than half (53%) said they suffered subsequent computer problems.

The average cost of repairing damage caused to computers by the scammers was more than £1,000.

The following is Microsoft’s advice:

* Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company.
* Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller.
* Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue.
* Take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities.
* Use up-to-date versions of Windows and application software.
* Make sure security updates are installed regularly.
* Use a strong password and change it regularly.
* Make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date.
* Microsoft Security Essentials is a free antivirus product and is available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx

Microsoft advises anyone who thinks they may already have been a victim of a phone scam to do the following:
* Change their computer’s password, change the password on their main email account and change the password for any financial accounts, especially bank and credit cards.
* Scan their computer with the Microsoft Safety Scanner to find out if they have malware installed on their computer.
* Contact their bank and credit card companies.

Note that Apple OS and UNIX OS computers are not affected by this scam

Anyone who has been a victim of this type of fraud should report it to Action Fraud.

Read more about the Microsoft scam survey on Microsoft’s website:
http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/jun11/06-16MSPhoneScamPR.mspx

Please note: Action Fraud is not responsible for the content on external websites.

To report a fraud or attempted fraud please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool https://reportfraud.actionfraud.org.uk/fraudreport/

I got scam for 77 pounds same number as above. canclled all cards and bank account.I have not had any faster speed on my computer. company speaking from india claiming they were working for microsoft, totally believed even though I becme supisous so  gave a card with only 100 pounds on the card.

helppconline is a company that says they work on behalf of several isp providers and microsoft.They charge 79.99pounds for aclean up of your computer and technical for one year.I paid the money like a fool and let them take remote control of my lap top when I realised what was happeneing i BLOCKED all my credit cards one of my credit card company said that they could steal my details be cause they security is air tight. my computer does seem to be working better but i will get it remastered by a well known anti virus company better be safe than be sorry after.They may be ok but they used the ISP name to get you to trust them so be careful.I will not be using my pc for now.

Just had a call from help pc on line indian lady called janice saying my browser freezes (which it does) and my isp provider had told them also my computer (she could'nt tell me if it was dektop or laptop) was sending error codes and running slow when I asked how I could trust her company she gave me the following information.Her direct number 0203 026 3248 helpline number 0800 977 0035 address 4 century house 100 london rd leicester le2 oqs then told me to ring her back!!! needless to say i haven't on checking the last number called this number came up 0085219044428 as we know 00 denotes outside the uk.then I found this site so seems like these scammers are still operating

called a few times and got mother in law to install  program from www.helppconline then when they asked for credit card details she rang me on her mobile and I told her on no account to give card details.  Before she rang me they run her through regesty and change a few things. we have blocked remote entry to pc now but as she is new to computing Im not sure what they changed and where they went on pc.
They started their sales pitch by introducing themselves as Lisa and telling her that her computer was full of viruses and was using all of the localy available band width.
so in other words they tried to use scare tactics.

They never give up. "I have a virus in my PC that needs to be removed". So my response is: "Sir,tell me who my Internet Provider is and also my current IP address is at this very moment". He pauses in his response,then says "one moment". The moment lasts for just about a minuite,then the line "misteriously" became disconnected.
This was the third call from an Indian guy.They never believe me that I have a Mac,and they never keep track of those calls they make to people who cannot be suckered.

pconline have call me like other person i did not know i trust them and paid 39.99 for 3 month now my pc is not working because they put a software on it and they took my money twise dont trust this people

Marie. Did you cancel your credit card and get a replacement? They may/will keep taking money from it if you haven't done so.Also get someone locally you know to look at what they did to your system and have it removed.

Make sure you tell them TERE MAH DE PUDI it means your mums [***] them Indian basterds need fixing not pakistanis its them indians the basterd ones make sure you say that to them before you put that phone on that indain hindu basterd

had a call from same person claiming his name is John mathews and said he is calling from pc microsoft help desk that our laptop has some problem like others
(he has a indian accent) seem to have lots of peoples details these people should be investigated

itz not a scam i have subscribe for 5years they are providing me a very goog servise to me itz my regust dat dnt call them scam.....