PC tech support cold-calling scam

Thousands of UK users have received calls from companies – apparently based in Kolkata, India – claiming to have identified malicious software (malware) on their PCs and offering to fix it. This is an extract from a typical call. Before the footage begins, the caller has told the user how to view Windows’ Activity Log and claimed the yellow and red warning symbols indicate “serious” malware infections (in fact they have no connection with malware). The user has then agreed to let the caller inspect their PC and has followed verbal instructions to connect to a third party via LogMeIn, a popular remote access service. Notice that the “Microsoft certified technician” who the caller claims is operating the PC does no damage to the system, installs no malware or spyware, and creates a restore point which he apparently intends to use later to return the system to its original state, although this proves unnecessary as no meaningful changes are made. Having been convinced that their system needs “cleaning”, the user is ultimately invited to sign up for a £125 support contract. This contract will most likely be worthless but, unlike with some browser pop-up malware scams, there appears to be no attempt to steal additional sums through identity theft or credit card fraud. When the Guardian newspaper approached Pecon, one of the companies alleged to be associated with this type of scam, it claimed to be a legitimate tech support provider (bit.ly In a subsequent call, a colleague of …