Here is a copy of an email sent to Lansalot customers on the 12th March 2010 about a recent issue we have had.
UPDATE 2010-10-24
We currently have a case open with Worcestershire Trading Standards, however please contact your local trading standards to report this scam.
Dear Customer,
Apologies for the bulk email – not really my style but this is something we are concerned about and wish to draw your attention to.
This is NOT a circular and I do NOT expect you to forward it to everyone you know. This email has NOT been verified by Microsoft, AOL, the FBI, the Caravan Club, the MOD, Virgin Railways, DEFRA, the BBC, (or indeed likely even seen by any of them), or any other professional body you’d care to name (as are often cited in junk circular virus warnings) – however we hope you trust us enough as your IT supplier to know this is a genuine warning.
A copy of this email has been placed on our website for reference / verification at www.lansalot.co.uk – you are encouraged to direct anyone you know, especially those more vulnerable, to read the article online rather than forwarding them this email.
We have had numerous reports of our customers (or people they know) being telephoned by someone reporting to be calling from a Windows Service Desk, or in association with Microsoft. These people then go through various questions or statements, inferring that you have some problem with your system (maybe antivirus, maybe Windows Error reporting). They will most likely ask you to either look in the Event log, or ask you for your IP address, and that sort of thing. They may also ask you to go to a website, www.logmein123.com or similar, in order to install remote-control software on your PC.
They will assure you that the call is legitimate, and that the cost to fix your problem is just £12 (or a similar low amount). There is probably nothing wrong with your PC.
PLEASE do not give these people any information whatsoever. Unless you believe there to be a problem with your system, there probably isn’t one; and we would not advise you to engage in any remote support activities with anyone you don’t know.
My advice is to simply tell them that you already have a service provider and that you will report any problems to them directly. Then hang up. It is also likely that they will call you back more than once, so make sure everyone in the house knows not to follow instructions from anyone over the phone, unless you have verified their identity first (ideally a representative of Lansalot, or other legitimate IT Support provider).
On hearing about this, our concern for one of our more vulnerable customers who received one of these calls was so great that we have raised a case with trading standards over it. If you are able to find out any details about the company – the company name for example, the phone number they are calling from or a number to return their call on, the person you are speaking to (and note the date and time of the call) – that would be very helpful so let us know. However do not risk giving away any of your own personal or company details.
Here is another report of a similar thing;
http://www.computerhq.co.uk/content/warning-fake-tech-support-call-scam-windows-xp-service-provider
If you have any queries or concerns you are welcome to phone us on our Redditch telephone number 01527 908316, check our website at www.lansalot.co.uk or email us at mail@lansalot.co.uk
Thanks for your time – be careful out there!
Jon Rixon
Lansalot Limited
Tel: 01527 908316 / Mob: 07759 399345
MSN: jonrixon@hotmail.com / Skype: JonRixon
Website: www.lansalot.co.uk
