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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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
    2014-06-09T15:47:41+00:00

    Having 'Norton' or not... or having a virus on your PC or not... or even having a PC or not is absolutely independent of this scam... because nobody is monitoring your PC for errors unless you do.

    The phone calls are cold calls from a boilerroom full of operators picking up phones when someone answers. They have computers automatically dial numbers and keep track of valid numbers, then the valid ones are fed into the cold call system. All those phone calls you get that nobody answers? ... that's the 'ping'.

    One time when they called me I played the guy along until he wanted me to log into AMMYY at which point I told him I'd have to hang up with him because I needed to dial my ISP. He didn't know what to do because that isn't one of the options in their script they follow. Ultimately he hung up on me... but doesn't that prove they aren't monitoring our PCs? he had no clue if I was on cable or dial-up, therefore, he couldn't be looking at my computer.

    Just run anti-virus of some sort (you pick), don't do risky things online and if you feel you have a problem, run "Stinger", -- free download from McAfee,(http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/free-tools/stinger.aspx) and if it finds something, then go to WhatTheTech.com and get cleaned up. (http://forums.whatthetech.com/index.php?s=871fec2675ab7da964382c3ae3ae6df3&showforum=27)

    As for the phone... that sucker is there for my convenience... if I want something, I'll call them. Anybody calling in offering to sell me something or tell me about something is nothing more than a sideshow barker trying to lure you into their scheme.

    And yes, I do have sympathy for the elderly... how elderly? I don't know... I'm 66. My mother is online and I talk to her about this all the time and her comment is  "oh, I just hang up on them" ... 'nuff said!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-09T15:22:29+00:00

    YES!!! Microsoft should be putting out warnings about attempted scams in their name.

    It would have saved me 15 hours of scanning for malware, checking my virus settings, changing start up configuration and basically a lot of grief. I did all of the above "ask yourself a couple of questions"

    But having a brain aneurism last year I had no confidence in my intelligence. I can understand now how elderly and vulnerable people fall victim to this type of crime.

    Luckily I didn't as I worked in Security so never trusted anyone.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-06-09T15:02:31+00:00

    I had Norton 360 and all Security on and it didn't protect me. As soon as I got online with the corrupted computer scammers were ringing me..I think they use a digital phonebook and it's pot luck if they get an answer

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