Q: This morning I received a phone message: “This is an emergency call. The license key of your Microsoft Windows has expired. To renew license please call 1- 855-442-8444.” I returned the call and a male with a heavy accent answered and told me my computer would be “shut down” if I did not renew my license. I have understood my right to use the Microsoft Ultimate 7.0 operating system on my desktop computer is perpetual and so informed him. He hung up on me. Can you help me with the truth? — A. Thomas Elliott, Jr.
Tech+ Don’t do it! And since I replied to you immediately, I know you didn’t. But this is a good reminder as to why scammers exist. People — including readers I’ve heard from — pay them money. (Stop that already!) I’d much rather you use that money to invest in the newspaper industry or at least legitimate computer-tech services.
But if you do get a call like reader A. Thomas Elliott received, use some common sense and do some sleuthing if you think the request might be legitimate. First, Google the phone number. Sites like 800notes.com offer a forum for consumers to comment on who was on the other end of the mystery 800 line. The conclusion for most of the commenters is the number is a scam.
Then look at the problem: Windows license expired. As Elliot points out, he thought the Windows license is perpetual. And that’s correct — if you paid for it and activated Windows. For many versions of Windows, however, Microsoft requires users to activate the software with a product key following installation. If you don’t, it’ll expire. According to Windows, if you’re unable to activate Windows 10, try using Microsoft’s chat support, which you can find on this page: dpo.st/microsoftchat
And hanging up? How rude! And another sign the caller is not professional.
Microsoft scams abound. The company does have a page about Microsoft tech-support phone scams and what you need to know at dpo.st/microsoftscams. Microsoft also lists places to report cybercriminals and other suspected fraud.
But most importantly, if some unknown person is suddenly demanding money or a credit card number from you because of a new computer issue, be wary. And please use your brains.
I’m sure many readers have cybersecurity questions out there. And with October being National Cyber Security Awareness month, let’s get your serious security questions answered. Send me your questions using the form on dpo.st/mailbag and I’ll reach out to Denver’s growing security community for their answers.
See past Tech+ answers or ask your own tech question at dpo.st/mailbag. If you’re e-mailing your question, please add “Mailbag” to the subject line.
