Scam calls from Dell reps?

I've been getting scam calls every few months from alleged Dell reps since the last 12 months.

They start off by asking for me by name, saying they are from Dell and then telling me there's an issue with my computer.

They give me my service tag and tell me that their security software has picked up an intrusion and that they are calling to help me.

I never let the call go past this point because the scammers have thick accents and sound like they are on speakerphone. I can hear other people in the background calling.

My question is, has anyone else been receiving these scammer calls, and how in the heck are they getting our information?

I know they are scammers because the last call I got, I pretended that I was going to give the guy my credit card information and he started foaming at the mouth and was ready to start taking down the numbers.

Brad

 

I have had this happen at least 4 times over the last few months (and reported to the FTC each time). Dell is aware of the problem but clearly not taking any steps to prevent or stop it. They refer people to a Dell twitter account that seems to have been inactive for at least a few years now.

Clearly there has been a security breach at Dell, and sensitive, personally identifiable information was leaked by the Dell support team or Dell depot techs, but nothing is being done about it.

Dell Threads:
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/customercare/f/4674/t/19628578
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/customercare/f/4674/t/19627930
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/customercare/f/4674/t/19623782
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/virus-spyware/f/3522/t/19603370
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/virus-spyware/f/3522/t/19618142
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/customercare/f/4674/t/19614785
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/customercare/f/4674/t/19475381

Dell Wiki (their "solution"):
http://en.community.dell.com/suppor...-fraudulent-sales-calls-by-3rd-party-entities

Copy of my running log:
Dell Service Tag Tech Support Scam

Says they are from Dell and correctly recites my personal Service Tag, System Info, Email address and mobile phone number.
Says there is a hacker on my network and they can help fix it.
Tries to get you to install remote desktop app (TeamViewer, join.me, rtremotesupport)
Does not take credit cards. Lifetime support is $1000.
Asks to go to 7-11 and fill out MoneyGram
Call back 323-287-5769 when you have the form ready and he will give you the info to fill out
Rep Name: James Marshall
Company: Windows Live Dept

Phone numbers used by scammers:
323-287-5769
800-966-9944

Reported to FTC:
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#crnt&panel1-1

Keep them on the phone as long as possible, ask stupid questions, and try to piss them off as much as humanly possible - I managed to get a "find a pen, remove the cap and stick it up your ass" after 2 hours on the phone with them. My 4mb download took 45mins.

 

Also received two scam calls (extremely bad call quality and I could hear other people from same office in the background)

Worrying they had my name, email address and phone number quoted to me at the start of the call. Since I sold the computer they were talking about months ago, I knew it was some kind of scam call so I strung them along for 30 minutes which was quite fun. The guy got tetchy with my vague answers and then told me to 'do one' after 30 minutes when my credit card number read out to him as 0000 0000 0000 0000 and name on card was A BC.

Certainly amused me but I'm angry at Dell - it's obvious there's been some kind of security breach somewhere. I'm in the UK if it matters.