Electronics

[Nuttmeg]

I hangup my phone.

[HarborMini]

I write computer articles for our Adult Community Newsletter and just wrote about this type of scam.   This is a great way to communicate, educate and share these terrible scams that just won't go away. All the replies are great but to share more info is just another piece of computer knowledge.

First thing to do is if you get a pop-up and have no control of your computer hold your power button for 3 to 5 seconds till your computer is completely off.   Wait for at least an hour before turning your computer back on because they put a timer on these pop-ups.  NEVER allow anyone to connect remotely on to your computer unless it is your family or friend you trust.  And finally, of course, DO NOT answer your phone if you don't recognize the number.  

My course of action is if I am in the mood I keep these scammers on for at least 30 to 45 minutes leading them on knowing they are not scamming anyone else.  

[FranandZoe]

I've had many of these calls too.  If I have time I love to "mess" with them.  I've told the Windows people that I don't have Windows - I have MAC computers.  Then they say oh the virus affects MAC too.  And I've told them I don't have a computer and they argue with me.  I've even said something like OMG what should I do.  Then they say they'll take control of my computer and fix it for me.  Then I give 'em what for.  How do they get away with this?  

[Moonchilde]

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@Q4u wrote:

LOL.... yup, no computer~!  Great answer!

Since we got rid of our land line we've not had any more of these calls. But we used to get them non-stop and not just from foreign sounding callers.  If they were trying to sell me something, I already had it, already cleaned it, already built it...!   I accept NO solicitation over the telephone.  If I want something or a service, I research it myself and then call the company of my choice.  Period....

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I have no need to put myself through picking up the phone listening, hanging up, etc. I have an answering machine. 99.5% of the time, they just hang up without leaving a message as soon as they are connected with a recording.  Other recordings, i.e. robo-calls, do this as well. Problem solved.