I was surfing the web, when I came across this:
The red lines are mine. I use Linux Mint(is seen as Ubuntu because Linux Mint is Debian and Ubuntu based). Linux is NOT developed by Microsoft, so why would I call them?
This reminds me of the time I was called about having viruses on my computer. I didn't feel like trolling them (and wasn't prepared for it), so I told them, "we use Linux," then hung up. A few months later, they called my mom. She asked me about it and I told her it was a scam. Fortunately, she did not get scammed.
No software developer (this includes operating systems, such as Windows) will ever call you, or show popups like this. If you think you have malware, get an anti-malware program (I've heard MalwareBytes is good, though I've never used it.). If you are worried about viruses, get an anti-virus program (ESET is an excellent program, but I haven't used it since I switched to Linux.).
There is no main server/computer as these "technitians" describe. If you get viruses, only your computer will know, provided you have an up-to-date anti-virus program. Same goes for malware. If you get one of these calls, or a popup similar as above, just ignore it.
Some people have recorded their interactions with these people (usually trolling the "technitian"); these videos can be found on YouTube by searching "Microsoft Scam." Below are a few videos. Be warned: Foul/Colorful/Rude language may be in the videos. View at your discretion.
Microsoft or tech support scam - Locating the Scammers
Microsoft Scam Caught on Video
1-800 Microsoft POP UP SCAM! How it works exposed!
Microsoft Scammers & Windows 98! part 1
Microsoft Scammers & Windows 98! part 2
Back to PSAs.