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Warning, Windows users! Tech support scammers have a new method for phishing attacks

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by lj50, 2017/09/06.

  1. 2017/09/06
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member Thread Starter

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    I just read PhishingAttacks
     
    lj50,
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  2. 2017/09/07
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    I got a call the other day and kept him on the phone for a good 10 minutes before he hung up on me trying to get him to tell me how to turn on my PC. :eek:
     

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  4. 2017/09/07
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member Thread Starter

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    They're targeting Windows 10. I wonder if they can send phishing Microsoft Security Advisory emails.
     
    Last edited: 2017/09/07
    lj50,
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  5. 2017/09/07
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    This is another example of "socially engineered" methods of malware distribution - that is, a method where they trick the user into opening the door and letting the bad guy in.
    No they aren't. That claim is yet another example of (I hate to give Trump credit but) "fake news". In this case, TechRepublic has twisted the facts (once again :() to create sensationalized exaggerated headlines to discredit Microsoft in order to gain attention for the author and site. :(:mad:

    Look at the link TechRepublic cited as their source. TechRepublic claims the scammers "target those using Windows 10" but the official source, "Links in phishing-like emails lead to tech support scam" makes no mention of Windows 10 being a target at all! On the contrary, the report clearly states (their large bold font),
    So I say kudos to Microsoft, Windows 10 and Edge, and Windows Defender for blocking such threats and shame on TechRepublic and the author, Hope Reese for irresponsible reporting and twisting the facts.

    And, I have to see, I recommend the title of this thread be changed to reflect the truth instead of being instrumental in perpetuating the viral spread of falsehoods!
     
    Bill,
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  6. 2017/09/07
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member Thread Starter

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    Don't get me started about what they are doing to Trump. That's another matter. Do you want me to change the title or did I misread your post? If do you have a suggestion. Please nothing that will get me into trouble on Windowsbbs.
     
    Last edited: 2017/09/08
    lj50,
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  7. 2017/09/08
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    LJ, this type of scam affects all Windows users not just folks running Windows 10. These tech support scammers will target anyone regardless of what version of Windows they are running so this TechRepublic article claiming that these scammers are just going after Windows 10 users is hogwash. We've known about these scams for many years already and this type of scam is nothing we haven't seen before. I feel like this is a clickbait article just to scare Windows 10 users for no reason but to generate hyperbole into thinking that Windows 10 is experiencing more targeted attacks compared to other versions of Windows.

    BTW I edited the title accordingly since this type of scam should be of concern for all Windows users.
     
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  8. 2017/09/08
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    lol Yeah, I sure don't want to get into a debate about Trump politics. The point I was making was all about the media - a topic both sides of the aisle can come together over. When even mainstream outlets have anchors who lie in their news stories, you really have to wonder if there is any truth in journalism anymore. Maybe that's why they call them "stories". :rolleyes:
    "Hyperbole", by definition, is "an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally". I fully believe TechRepublic wants it taken literally and has every intent to discredit Windows 10 and Microsoft whenever they can because they, like many, feel it is fashionable to bash them! And they make such claims against W10 and Microsoft to attract attention for themselves. The entire media, it seems has become paparazzi, only interested in a story, their own personal views, or a $million photo - not the truth.

    Moot point now since it has been changed. What I wanted was for TechRepublic to be truthful. Short of than, I wanted them to be called out for not being truthful.

    Knowing you cannot trust so many of these sites anymore, whenever I see such an article like that TechRepublic article, I always try to trace it back to the original source to read for myself what was really said. That's what I did here and recommend everyone do when they read something that is not the original source. I don't want to contribute to exaggerations and total falsehoods going viral. It is clear TR has no integrity! At least TR cited the original source. But I guess they assumed no one would read it.
     
    Bill,
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  9. 2017/09/08
    lj50 Lifetime Subscription

    lj50 SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks Evan. Bill I guess in some cases truth in news reporting is out, and sensationalism is in.
     
    lj50,
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  10. 2017/09/08
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    And it is way too often too. It is bad enough when bloggers and so called tech media sites with authors who have no journalism training whatsoever twist, sensationalize, exaggerate or even totally make up fake news. But even mainstream new media add their own spin instead of just reporting the facts. That is why when it comes to current events around the world and in the US, I watch everyday, Headline News, CBS News and NBC News - not because I trust them more or because I am a new junkie. But so I can get all sides of the story. It is surprising how differently each reports on the same event.
     
    Bill,
    #9

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