Microsoft
800-642-7676
Is this a real telephone number for Microsoft?
I called it, got the help I needed, and received a case reference number for my issue. I hung up. Next, I went to the Microsoft website, microsoft.com, and used the virtual Contact Microsoft Support. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/ I requested they call me back. They called back minutes later from 425-635-2970, another number being reported as a scam. But, they were able to locate the case reference number that I had acquired from the first technician I spoke with.
It was a simple investigation that may have confirmed this telephone number as a legit number.
During my investigation, I found hundreds of postings from computer users reporting these numbers as scams claiming to have received phone calls from these number being identified by the caller as a Microsoft technician.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/support-scams
The caller would claim that the recipient was experiencing problems with their computer. They would claim to have the answer to all of your problems. They would try to sell you software that would clean your computer and all the bugs would go away. Wait, but first, you have to give them remote access to your computer. WARNING, WARNING, WARNING.
Maybe not.
Microsoft technicians also ask to have remote access to your computer in order to quickly fix the problem. You can see what they are doing as they are doing it the entire time. What they will not do is go into your personal files like the scammers do. You will see them only utilize the Microsoft website for the proper software that will fix your computer FOR FREE.
After, you will receive an email from Microsoft confirming your communication with them. The scammers do not do this.
So, why does a legitimate phone number for Microsoft show up on your caller id when it's really a scam? The scammers can program any number they want to show up on your caller id screen. They are ready for the challenging question of, "are you really with Microsoft?" In their perhaps best American English accent and with confidence, they reply, "why yes ma'am. I am calling from Microsoft. You can call it if you like. You will see it is a Microsoft number I am calling from." Most people don't second guess and will move on with the call but, more and more people these days will hang up and call the number to find out the call was a scam. Better yet, they will look it up online to check for other complaints. But, what can you believe these days?
Based on my findings, these numbers are legit when you call them yourself.
To protect yourself, first, go to your settings and look for Microsoft updates. Go to the website, microsoft.com, and look for the support you need. Do not google Microsoft in order to get a telephone number. This is where most peoples' problems begin.
