PC Masters – Bluebird Virus
I’ve now spoken to several people who’ve been targeted by this phone based virus scam.
Out of the blue, a company (this time PC Masters) has called someone and told them that they’ve detected a virus called Bluebird (maybe Blue Bird) on their PC.
The company then offers to clean the virus for free, however they will charge for the software needed to clean the virus.
This is a complete scam! There is no way this company knows what’s going on with your PC. In fact one of the people they called didn’t even have a PC!
They’re very persistent (even tried to convince the person without the PC that they had one) and are targeting vulnerable PC users who trust what they’re saying.
If you know anyone who isn’t confident around their PC, you might want to warn them about this scam before they become the next target.
Here’s a link to many other stories from those targeted by the Bluebird Virus scam.
Microsoft Phone Scam Survey
Having researched this after hearing of recent calls, it turns out Microsoft has just released a survey which reveals the extent of these recent phone scams.
Surveying 7000 computer users in the UK, Ireland, US and Canada, showed that 15% had received calls from scammers. In Ireland, this percentage was 25%.
Free Protection – Microsoft Security Essentials
Whilst on the subject of viruses and protection, did you know that Microsoft now provide free anti-virus software in the form of Microsoft Security Essentials?
This is well worth a try if you want reliable, unobtrusive and free protection. And of course, if you’d like Scotia Systems to install this for you and check out your PC, please contact us!
[…] and IT Tips Bluebird Virus Post – Distribution of Readers June 23rd, 2011 adminThe recent post about the Bluebird Virus scam has generated lots of interest and has become one of the most popular articles on Scotia Systems […]
I had my call today and spent 35 minutes listening and watching when the pitch finally came i googled bluebird and yours and other posts came up which convinced me in a second to hang up thanks.
Pete
Just had a call from PC masters that damn bluebird virus gets in everywhere lol. Informed the asian male on the phone that i work with computers for about 10 hours a day and there was no way in hell that i was going to allow him to remote in to my PC or that i would run any programs on his behalf when I know that my system is relativley secure (never say never).
This strange man then hung up on me. Now I can’t be sure but I think it might be a scam!!!!!! lol
Bluebird what a strange name for such an evil little critter!!!!
DO NOT GET SUCKED IN BY THESE PEOPLE!! THEY ARE CONVINCING BUT DON’T BE FOOLED IT IS A CON!!
I have just had a similar call from a man with an Indian accent, claiming to be from PC analysts and that I have the bluebird virus on my computer. He said he knew because reports on crashes went to Microsoft and he could demonstrate all the info to me on my computer. Hew was very persistent and wanted me togo to a website. I refused saying I would not allow him access to my computer, and he got quite bolshy. I told him it was a scam put the hone down, and feel reassured to find these comments.
I, stupidly, responded to the bluebird caller when he said he would show me the problems with my computer. He asked me to go to ammyy.com and I ran some software from it that enabled him to take control of my computer to illustrate the supposedly huge number of viruses. He was set to run the supposed antibluebird software when he requested a fee of £159.95 and we opted out to their annoyance. I am now worried that having once let him take control of my computer, have I seriously compromised the security of it ? I am not very knowledgable about computers – has anyone any advice ?
Wow, it sounds like you are too stupid to own a computer. It’s a really big responsibility, like owning a pet. I think you should pack up your computer and return it.
OMG, I can’t believe you let some random dude on the phone get full control of your computer.. would you let some guy off the street give you a physical? These telephone scams are bad enough but users who are that stupid shouldn’t be allowed to use computers, period. It puts us all at risk.
Small bits of content which are explained in details, helps me understand about it, Thanks.