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Level 1

15 points

Intel has received errors from your computer

I just received a phone call from 'Samantha' (with a very thick accent) who said Intel has received error reports from my computer. After she told me to hold down the 'C' key, etc. I told her I had a Mac. I have received these calls before, and that has usually ended the conversation, but this time she transferred me to someone who was a Mac 'specialist'. He instructed me to type www.teamviewer.com. into my url bar, which I did not do, and I told him so.

Has anyone else received these calls? Any info or insight? I suspect they are up to something that could be very hazardous, but I'm also curious.

Thanks.

Posted on Jan 17, 2013 12:08 PM

25 replies

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Jan 17, 2013 4:10 PM in response to peakachu

I've set the phone down a few times when these jerks won't take no for an answer

peakachu wrote:

LOL, Klaus1! I've set the phone down a few times when these jerks won't take no for an answer.

Yep, but I usually add a friendly suggestion....!

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jan 17, 2013 4:21 PM in response to peakachu

That particular scam has been going around for at least 3 years. Google TeamViewer scam and you'll get plenty of info on what they're up to.

peakachu Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 19, 2013 10:58 AM in response to peakachu

So I did some googling and found that 'teamviewer' is legitimate software that these people who claim to be with Intel, Microsoft, and probably other companies use in order to get your credit card info for charging you to 'fix' your 'errors' and also gain access to the files on your computer. Pretty much what I suspected.

This has been an interesting exchange, I appreciate everyone's participation.

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Jan 19, 2013 11:01 AM in response to peakachu

You call that legitimate?? 😮

Jan 19, 2013 11:41 AM in response to Klaus1

I concur Klaus. Someone needs to recheck the definition of legitimate. To me this sound more like scam which I think in anyone book is NOT legitimate.

Allan

peakachu Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 20, 2013 9:00 AM in response to Allan Eckert

Just because someone is using it to try and scam you with it doesn't mean it isn't legit software, similar, perhaps, to app.s for remotely accessing your Mac. You can check it out here: http://download.cnet.com/TeamViewer/3000-7240_4-10398150.html?tag=mncol;1

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

Jan 20, 2013 9:05 AM in response to Klaus1

Klaus1 wrote:

I've set the phone down a few times when these jerks won't take no for an answer

peakachu wrote:

LOL, Klaus1! I've set the phone down a few times when these jerks won't take no for an answer.

Yep, but I usually add a friendly suggestion....!

You mean un-diplomatically suggesting a place they can spend the next few thousand years?

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Jan 20, 2013 9:29 AM in response to Allan Eckert

TeamViewer is a well established alternative to services such as Logmein, GoToMyPC and so on, it is used for remote access (mainly by support services) and requires user cooperation to function, it can (like any) be used malevolently.

Jan 17, 2014 1:07 PM in response to peakachu

Intel does not give a rats *** if your computer isn't running correctly. They've already got their money. Don't ever allow someone you didn't contact to have remote access to your computer!

varjak paw

Level 10

170,206 points

Jan 17, 2014 1:09 PM in response to PimpFinger

Thanks for your input, though I believe we said that, more than once, a year ago when this thread was last active.

Intel has received errors from your computer