Possible software scam!!

Question

Thought I had a virus so contacted who I thought was Microsoft, but these people say they are from Microsoft Azure.  Could hardly understand them, but they signed into my computer to "Fix" the virus with Microsoft Azure for 5 yrs of Firewall and Lifetime Support.  Is this legitimate?! They charged me

$1000.00 and asked for my banking information.  Stupidly, I gave it to them because they said they didn't really want to use a Credit Card.  They said I could cancel anytime within 10 days.   I did not feed comfortable about how it was handled so last night I called my bank to have the $1000.00 transaction blocked and cancelled.   Today when I called to cancel, they said they already had downloaded the program and deleted the viruses from my

computer so they said they have to call me back regarding cancelling this order.  Is there anything I can do?  Thank you,  Barbara

Answer 1

Whomever you called it was not Microsoft and was entirely a scam.

We know that because Microsoft Azure is Microsoft's Cloud Services for business, which has nothing to do with either consumers or computer support services whatsoever.  Since they used this false information to trick you into paying for their fake "service".  Whether they actually removed a virus doesn't matter, they were scamming you to pay for a "Lifetime Support" service that doesn't exist.

What is Azure—Microsoft Cloud Services | Microsoft Azure

When you contacted your bank to block the transaction, did you make it clear you thought you'd given your account information to scammers?

I ask because I'd have expected them to close and reissue your account entirely, since this information could be misused a number of different ways other than for that single charge.

If you have online access to that account I'd login and confirm no other unexpected transactions have occurred and even if there haven't, call your bank again to clarify the situation if you didn't make this clear to them the first time.

A little embarrassment is minor compared to the risk that you've given scammers access to your account.

So let your bank guide you as to how you should proceed in this case, since they should know the specific risks to your personal accounts, though they may send you back here for help with your PC and any possible remaining malware it might contain.

Also, don't even try to talk to the scammers again unless your bank directly and clearly requests that you do this, which I wouldn't expect.  Just hang up or don't answer if they call and don't do a single thing they request, nor tell them anything at all about this discussion, especially not before you've talked to your bank to confirm your money is safe.

Rob

Answer 2

I've been getting phone calls regarding the same thing and I hung up but they kept calling me back..so I called Microsoft because they wanted me to verify my information they had..and the representative said it wasn't them.

Answer 3

I'd be worried that when they "fixed" your computer they may well have installed malware to track your movements on that computer, which means when you change your passwords the key logger will pick that up.  You need to check for malware as well as letting your bank know that they have your log in details so all that can be changed.  Even if nothing untoward happens straight away there's no guarantee it won't in the future if they have this access.  If you're not happy to check your computer yourself, or don't have the skills then I'd recommend going to a local computer place and asking for recommendations on someone to check it for you.  It'll cost, but nowhere near $1000 and give you peace of mind.

Answer 4

Hi Barbara

Thanks for participating in Microsoft Community, I'm Skypper G. I'm Independent advisor, let me help you with this.

Microsoft does not charge for technical support after they helped you.

In the link below you will find the official contact support from Microsoft:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/405170...