Beware Comantra’s IT Support Phone Scam

OK, I’m annoyed. Over the last few days I’ve received calls from a gent claiming to be with the “IT Support” and they have received an alert about a virus on my Windows system.

Really?

Here’s a snippet of our conversation.

Dumbass: “Yes sir. Please provide your password so that we may login and fix the infection.”

Me: “My password?”

Dumbass: “Yes sir.”

Me: “How about you kiss my ass. How does that work for you?”

…and at this point wouldn’t you expect someone to take a hint? Apaprently not. He pressed on explaining that the virus could infect other systems.

He goes on.

And on.

I interrupt. “I’m using Linux”

Dumbass: “You are? There must be some mistake.”

Me: “Yes, you’re dumb enough to try and con me.”

Dumbass: “But sir…”

Me: “[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED] your mother [REDACTED][REDACTED] and the [REDACTED] you rode in on [REDACTED].”

I first started to receive these calls from what was apparently a pay phone in Auburn California at some point in the last couple years. After a quick search I discovered that this number was associated with this very scam. Well, dumb as they may be they learned enough to start using a masked number to make their calls.

When I shared this with the folks on Twitter one person came back with a very interesting article link about a Microsoft Gold Partner that had been cast out by the Redmond mothership for exactly this type of behaviour.

From the Guardian:

Microsoft has finally ejected an Indian company which was one of its “Gold” partners from the scheme after deciding it was taking part in a “fake virus” telephone support scam.

But Microsoft has been criticised for slow action, after one IT consultant said he had been trying to bring the activities of Comantra, based in Kolkata, to its attention for more than six months, and says that the US software giant has been warned about similar companies’ actions for at least 18 months.

I wonder what took Microsoft so long?

According to their (Comantra’s) website a “One time” assistance call is $54.99 (USD). Avoid this company like the plague.

Here is a screen shot of their site.

The short answer here is that this a plain and simple scam that these folks are ballsy enough to try and con people on the phone. The part that concerns me is that this will most likely work on elderly or non technical people.

Please be aware and let your friends and relatives know that this scam is in play.

(Image used under CC from cesarastudillo)