Caveat Emptor

On the assumption - likely correct - that most people have something that goes awry with their computer software, scam artists out of India have devised an interesting way to grab peoples' attention and interest, and along with it victimizing them by taking possession of their computers, their personal information and their money, if they happen to fall for the story.

In one sense it sounds believable, in another, it doesn't. But people don't always respond rationally.

People fed up with the things that seem to go wrong with their Microsoft Windows product can find it feasible that Microsoft is sufficiently concerned with their reputation to want to fix problems with their software. And so when a scamming expert smooth talks them into the belief that Microsoft, whom they are representing through a personal telephone call, goes out of its way to patch up problems, some people believe what they want to believe.

The persuasive transfer of $400 to the caller, and the trust placed in the caller to faithfully follow instructions downloading a bit of software that allows an outside agency to control a personal computer is all that's required, and 'Microsoft' takes over from there. Except, of course, it's not Microsoft at all; they're in the business of selling their software, not ensuring years after its purchase and use that it's still operational.

But the persuasive voice at the other end of the telephone - and the world - is occasionally successful enough in its mission to succeed in its fraudulent goal. On some occasions, that is. Not so much with the wary and those unwilling to allow some disembodied voice full and free access to private files, and one's bank account.

The thing is, if anyone is sufficiently anxious about removing possible malware from their computer, they should hire someone local and reputable.

Remote access granted to a fraud agent is not a guaranteed way to further the situation. As Microsoft says:

"We do not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer. If you receive an unsolicited email message or phone call that purports to be from Microsoft and requests that you send personal information or click links, delete the message or hang up the phone."

Do it, and you'll have nothing to regret.

According to the RCMP, this particular scam has been around since February 2011. "It's a big one. It hasn't gone away. It was in Britain before it came to Canada. There's all kinds of different people out there. Some people go all for it, others don't."

A word to the wise: don't.