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Suspicious call from Microsoft?

BlargKing
By BlargKing
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So I recently swapped the motherboard in my PC and did a clean re-install of Windows 10. My copy of Windows 10 is from upgrading from Windows 8, so as you can imagine re-installing was about as easy as pulling the moon from orbit. 

 

So my Windows 10 still isn't activated. I tried using the product key from my Windows 8 retail copy but in typical fashion that didn't work. So I resigned myself to calling the support number and listening to the automated activation computer.

 

Except this time, Im asked to put my phone number in and wait for them to call me. So I put in my number and they immediately call me. I answer and instead of the expected automated voice I'm talking to generic India call center worker, who explains to me the only way to activate Windows 10 is for me to enable remote access on my PC and give them a bunch of IP addresses and passwords to my PC. I declined to do so and hung up the phone. 

 

Now I don't trust any of the links on Microsoft's site. I can see the little icon in the URL that shows the site as being legit but I can't help feeling theres some scammers getting hold of peoples phone numbers now.

 

Am I being paranoid? Has anyone else had to go this route to activate Windows 10? Giving some random person remote access on my PC seems far to big a trust, especially when I've never had to do it to activate a previous version of Windows.

 

Anyways, now I'm at a dead end on how to activate my copy. I'm sure as hell not paying for a new product key. 

 

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DONT. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANYTHING

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Windows 10 is now MSX! - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/440190-can-we-start-calling-windows-10/page-6

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Now that I've got that out of the way, this is a fairly well-known scam. Don't do shit. Just hang up and report at your local PD

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Windows 10 is now MSX! - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/440190-can-we-start-calling-windows-10/page-6

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Installing windows should never take remote access... Did Microsoft ever call you legitimately?

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It is a scam.

 

You will probably have to reinstall Windows 8 and activate it and update it then upgrade to Windows 10.

 

Also, if someone on the phone asks for remote control, never give it to them. You will probs get viruses or scammed.

 

EDIT: Also, look on YouTube for 'Microsoft scam'. There is the funniest crap out there.

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yeah..no, ms aint gonna remote into your box, i'm pretty dang sure thats not a thing.

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Well known scam.

 

Now that I've got that out of the way, this is a fairly well-known scam. Don't do shit. Just hang up and report at your local PD

They'll likely do nothing...

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Yeah figured it was a scam. Just weird since I put my phone # into the legit MS site.

 

Remote access requests are always a red flag. 

 

Ugh I don't want to keep re-installing Windows. Worst. Upgrade. System. Ever.

 

Why couldn't they have just done it so that I go on the MS store, put in one of my Windows 8 keys and it spits out a Windows 10 key. Would be so much easier. 

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So this is obviously a scam don't tell them anything about yourself.

also if you are in the US, sign up for the FCC Do not call list.

Here are some websites to help you.

 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

 

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/tech-support-scams-part-2

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Can I just install windows 8 over my Windows 10 without erasing anything? I hate having to re-install all my software.

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Which exact website did you go on?

Don't ask to ask, just ask... please 🤨

sudo chmod -R 000 /*

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Now that I've got that out of the way, this is a fairly well-known scam. Don't do shit. Just hang up and report at your local PD

This isn't a matter for the police xD

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This isn't a matter for the police xD

Reporting it helps raise awareness

Archangel (Desktop) CPU: i5 4590 GPU:Asus R9 280  3GB RAM:HyperX Beast 2x4GBPSU:SeaSonic S12G 750W Mobo:GA-H97m-HD3 Case:CM Silencio 650 Storage:1 TB WD Red
Celestial (Laptop 1) CPU:i7 4720HQ GPU:GTX 860M 4GB RAM:2x4GB SK Hynix DDR3Storage: 250GB 850 EVO Model:Lenovo Y50-70
Seraph (Laptop 2) CPU:i7 6700HQ GPU:GTX 970M 3GB RAM:2x8GB DDR4Storage: 256GB Samsung 951 + 1TB Toshiba HDD Model:Asus GL502VT
Windows 10 is now MSX! - http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/440190-can-we-start-calling-windows-10/page-6

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Now that I've got that out of the way, this is a fairly well-known scam. Don't do shit. Just hang up and report at your local PD

bro the local police aren't going to do anything.

File it with the FBI or FCC 

 

http://fbi.gov

 

http://fcc.gov

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Well eff if I know how I got on a fake website I clicked the "contact support" link thats on the "activate windows" part of the control panel.

 

How on earth is there a scam site linked inside the actual OS.

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Reporting it helps raise awareness

What? lol not the local police... the fbi or fcc maybe

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hmm looks a bit sketchy. I would not advise clicking on that. 

3 tips to have a good time on the LTT forums | 1. When you reply to someone please quote them | 2. Please follow your threads | 3. Follow the C.o.C 

If you follow these 3 tips you should have a blast.

i'm rather proud of this for some reason. http://imgur.com/6ttS5XZ

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keylogging?

possibly. if you clicked on I would run a virus scan just to be safe.

3 tips to have a good time on the LTT forums | 1. When you reply to someone please quote them | 2. Please follow your threads | 3. Follow the C.o.C 

If you follow these 3 tips you should have a blast.

i'm rather proud of this for some reason. http://imgur.com/6ttS5XZ

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