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
    2013-08-05T15:52:53+00:00

    I hadn't posted it, but I got a second call that same day!

    Again.. I have to be sure to tell my Mom not to fall for this, and I feel sorry for the people that get roped in, but after much IM discussion with folks I work with, I was ready for more fun.

    I played the guy along like above... wasn't even sitting at my computer... until he wanted me to log into the site.

    I told him "um... I need to get off the phone so I can dial in"

    It took him absolutely by surprise and said "what?"

    I told him I had dial-up and had to connect my modem over the phone line to go to that website.

    He asked if I had another phone, and I said no.

    Totally confused him because I was way off his script... he mumbled around for a bit, and hung up.

    Next time I'm going to tell him I have an iPad ... or that I don't have a computer

    As for the callers being desperate people...

    Ok I understand that problem... but it doesn't make the lives any easier for the people they scam and steal credit card info and identities. Plus... I find it hard to believe that any reasonably intelligent person would not come to realize it was not on the up and up after calling people over and over.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-08-05T15:21:46+00:00

    Good to know!  The actual scammers may hire people to make the calls and not tell them that they are engaging in a criminal enterprise.  I suspect they are paid ONLY for connecting, which is why they are so persistent.

    It is a fascinating organized crime M.O., and my former career whets my appetite to find out all about them.

    Thank you for the field report.

    Recall that these callers are actually desperate people, and their employers probably also engage in all manner of other illegal activities - who knows?

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-08-05T14:25:43+00:00

    The same thing happened to me. I kind of trusted the guy but had my doubts but when I had to hit Window icon + R and type in www.ammyy.com I searched that website up right away and checked if it was real. Then I found an official warning from the admin here http://www.ammyy.com/en/admin\_mu.html And knew right way that the call was a scam. Now fully in knowledge I kept denying that I don't need this and the guy just kept going "Have you downloaded ammyy yet?". Again and again after I have denied them, they decided to hang up. :)

    Knowing it's a scam and when the scammer doesn't know is the best feeling lol.

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