[Linus]

I figured it may be worthwhile to start a thread on things to watch for. This include weird emails asking for passwords, offering free money (no one gives any money, especially from Nigeria), and the like.


Today's scam warning is this:

Phone call scam: Windows is infected!

So I just got this one. I've had this happen to me before and I suspect it is because Dell's registration system got compromised a while ago. Basically, the caller (who speaks very, very poor english and has a script that they work from) says that they have detected that your system is infected (his words were "infected with evil software"). Even when I've told him that I've used Mac he'll insist that they can be infected as well (not true; to date there exists no cross-platform virus).

Microsoft, Dell and other computer vendors will NOT call you to let you know you are infected. They will not email you either. You have to be proactive in this regards (this is because there are far too many users out there for them to monitor).

Best way to deal with it: Get their phone number and contact the better business bureau or Department of Consumer Affairs (or whatever the equivalent is in your state/province) to file a complaint. Then ask your phone provider to block them.

if you want to have fun, you can let the caller know that you will be notifying the FBI, local police and ask for their manager. When I threatened to do this, the guy called me a "bastard", laughed and then hung up.