AMMYY Scam

Anonymous
2013-04-19T00:13:20+00:00

Hello

I got a call from a guy with a really heavy Indian accent claiming to be working with Microsoft.

He told me that my computer had multiple problems.

He then told me to hit the Window icon on my keyboard and R (Which is to activate Run)

After that, he told me to type in "www.ammyy.com" and hit enter.

Right when he said that, I got suspicious.

I checked their website and it seemed legit.

I decided to google "AMMYY" and I saw "AMMYY scam"

I checked lots of posts having the EXACT same thing

-Indian guy

-AMMYY

-Computer problems

-Work for microsoft.

I hanged up and shut down my computer just in case. (I"m paranoid)

I turned back my computer on and the guy called me again.

He asked me why did I hanged up and I told him it was an accident.

He asked if I downloaded AMMYY yet.

I told him this "I ain't getting my computer hacked today, buddy." and hanged up again.

I ran a full computer scan with Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security.

(Which I trust since it went with my computer)

So my question.

Who are these guys?

How many people work with them?

Why aren't they sued yet?

Is my computer safe?

Thank you

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Answer accepted by question author
bhringer-9380 4,350 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2014-11-14T00:28:43+00:00

These fake tech support scams can now be reported to Microsoft, via the following link:

Report a Technical Support Scam

https://support2.microsoft.com/getsupport/hostpage.aspx?oaspworkflow=start_1.0.0.0&wfname=scamsurvey&ccsid=635514050206231635

"This information will assist Microsoft and law enforcement stop these scams and bring the perpetrators to justice."

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Anonymous
2013-04-19T00:17:27+00:00

You're fine. They cold called you and have no access to your PC since you didn't install anything or allow them to connect to your PC.

Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently - Microsoft does not make unsolicited

phone calls to help you fix your computer

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/phishing/Msname.aspx

Hoaxes and Scams

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/cu\_sc\_virsec\_master?ws=support#tab3

Microsoft Consumer Support Center

https://consumersecuritysupport.microsoft.com/default.aspx?altbrand=true&SD=gn&LN=en-us&st=1&wfxredirect=1&gssnb=1

Microsoft Support

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support#tab0

Microsoft - Contact Support

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/contact-support

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-25T13:32:27+00:00

    I just a call from a girl with a heavy Indian accent.  I could not understand her, so I got transferred to another, more clear-accented lady, who was obviously, very low-tech, but tried to get access to my run prompt.  After a mild set-back, she transferred me to a male with a fairly heavy accent who tried to get me to go the their web site.  

    I knew it was a scam so I was able to keep them occupied for nearly 20 minutes.  I figured that if they were on the phone with me playing dumb, they would not be a threat to others for at least a short period of time.

    Too funny.

    I don't know, but I suspect that they will be looking to put a reverse shell onto your box with their web site.  Can anyone confirm this suspicion?

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-26T22:48:19+00:00

               

    I don't know, but I suspect that they will be looking to put a reverse shell onto your box with their web site.  Can anyone confirm this suspicion?

    Generally, no.

    They are annoying, for the most part, and prey on the unwary by pretending to be affiliated with Microsoft and convincing users to pay for a service from them. I suppose that in some rare cases, there is also malicious intent, but the basic premise is simply to get you to pay the inflated price of their useless service.

    -steve

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-28T10:43:05+00:00

    I just took the AMMYY phone scam.  He was very convincing, showing me a lot of errors in my error log.  Smelled a rat when I had to download a program called AMMYY.  This was 18 minutes into the call after he had gained trust with showing me error logs and giving me legit information about my Windows licences.  Searching for AMMYY on the internet showed the scam, I asked him how I know he is from Microsoft and whether he is going to ask me for my bank details?  He got irritated and accused me of wasting HIS time!  He told me to repeat what I just said to his supervisor, said he was transferring me.  I said ok.  He hung up.  Before that, he was very convincing.  I am in the IT industry and it took me 18 minutes to sniff this one.  I guess the best way to deter scams like this is to keep them on the phone for as long as possible after which they get nothing, but I feel somehow dirty.

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