Microsoft Support Scam
A close friend shared this with me today. He has bought the new notebook from a popular retail store in Singapore a few days ago. Today, when he booted up his notebook. He was shocked to see this graphics above on his screen. Immediately, he called me to verify. I told him that this is a the well known Microsoft Support Scam. The graphics is so well designed that it can fool most people.
Why is it a scam?
- The number is +65 3159xxxx. It is starting with 3 , which is a VOIP. This is not so well regulated now. It might a bit difficult to trace.
- There is not a single AV or OS company will give you a number abd ask you to call them when a problem arises. If they do this, the telephone system will crash. They also lose a lot of money doing this kind of support.
- If you call them, no one will answer or the line will drop. However, later, someone will call you back to assist you. This is where the scamming starts.
- Microsoft will never ask you to pay in form of cryptocurrency like bitcoin or gift cards.
- They will never ask you to download a software that is NOT a Microsoft website.
How to avoid from been scammed?
- Buy PC and Notebook from Authorised Reseller. If you buy from someone from carousell, then please reformat and install OS
- Install a paid antivirus. Do not use free antivirus. I recommend Kaspersky as it has protected my business and my clients business for over 25 years
- Use Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome as your internet browser
- Perform Windows and Office Updates regularly
- Use 2FA (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, Cisco Duo) for your all your password credential
Reporting Microsoft Support Scams
Help Microsoft stop scammers, whether they claim to be from Microsoft or not, by reporting tech support scams at:
In this video, you will know how does technical support scam work. You will also know how to stay safe from tech support scams. At the end of the video, you will also know what to do if you got scammed.
