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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270 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-08-07T07:43:47+00:00

    Watch out folks. I got it on tape. If you play dumb and start to get smarter, you will ask for computer confirmation before downloading any program.

    They then take you to a command window and have you do the ASSOC command.

    They pretend to confirm your computer by reading the CLSID for ZFSendToTarget which is:

    .ZFSendToTarget=CLSID{888DCA60-FC0A-11CF-8F0F-00C04FD7D062}

    They try to convince you that "CLSID" is the customer license id!

    Finally, I told the guy he needs to find another mark.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-08-07T14:23:32+00:00

    same thing happened to me to except this time he told me to first open run (windows + r) and told me to go to type in eventvwr and go to custom views and look and it showed many error messages, but i recognized the source as apple so i didnt mind it and after that he told me to go to ammyy.com 

    EDIT: he also had a very heavy indian accent

    imtheriz repeated my experience this past July 4th here in Iowa verbatim.  Kind of a perfect storm as we had been experiencing some possible slow down of performance, just uninstalled a pesky "Backup Your Files" program that had appeared magically, and that coupled with all the Holiday diversions.  I went along for the ride and actually, the ammyy website itself had a warning saying that if a guy calls claiming to be Microsoft and wants you to download their program it was a scam.  Either way, I said I didn't like where this was going and I was done.

    I immediately attempted to fire up Norton to no avail.  I did a system restore with no results.  I went to Norton's website download page and it did not find a program installed.  My computer wasn't even warning me I had no protection!   Whatever, just that quick, and probably the first thing they do, is knock out your anti-virus program.

    Our internet and phone provider Century Link came to the rescue and after upwards of 8 hours or more, we were back with no loss of data.  Cost: $119 and a loss of some dignity.  I at least take some solace that I pulled the plug when I did.

    My wife was being badgered more today, July 8 by others and we might be going to the FTC with it.

    I still wonder how they got our number.  I had installed the ANYFILE converter the same day. and can't recall any other such activity.

    Hey,

    If you received scam related call. don't follow their instruction. disconnect a call.

    Keep up to date in antivirus program. if you don't have licence one,

    Use below free one.

    Malwarebytes - free

    http://www.malwarebytes.org/

    General safety:

    1. don't keep your password in web browser or computer.
    2. don't store any regarding Bank information and sensitive data in your computer.

    If you storing sensitive file keep protected.

    Thanks

    Ravikumar Ramasamy

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-08-11T05:34:55+00:00

    I feel rather stupid!  I let let "Csrss.exe" and "AM MY" get to me.   I'm currently retired after

    nearly 25 years as Sys Admin  & Sys Engr.     However, they used a little different approach on me.

    I  connected to Canon.com printer support.  Up pops page a "Blk & Wht" web  page telling me how much Canon wanted me to call their printer support staff to obtain fast, personal, professional service.  I ended up going through three levels of tech,  The last tech spoke English without an accent.  There techs offered several ways to service my need,  The first shot was $ 400 to thoroughly clean the virus With a 90 day warranty.  After discussion covering my qge 73, and that I was retired an on limited income we discussed several options, one option covered "life time support".  Their last offer was $ 49.    I refused all request for funds until I had a chance to evaluate his offer.  At my request he supplied an Americanized name, company name and phone  number.

    Even after 25 years in the network business, being responsible for network security  you can get caught your network down around your knees.  I had several red flags waved in my face! I failed to be alert!

    1.  No big time company,(Canon) is going to air a black white web page

    2.  Computer manufacturers  have been a leader for out sourcing support employees for years

    3.  Why would a major corporation outsource to using some other name for one of its major functions.

    I could go on but, enough be said YOU'VE BEEN WARNED

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