Phone call from Virgin

[Johnmor]

I received a phone call today from Virginmedia regarding my ip address (I think) was being used by someone in USA, I was being walked through going onto google play to an app called quicksupport.

I ended the call before installing the app as I was not comfortable with doing this as it could lead to them viewing my details, would this have been a legitimate call from virginmedia or a scam?

One hears of so many scams now, it is hard to tell scam from true

[goslow · Accepted solution]

The call was a scam. You are describing the details of a common scam format.

The scammers pretend to be VM (or Amazon, Microsoft, BT etc.) and tell you that you have a problem with your broadband (or computer or online account etc.). They offer to 'fix' the (imaginary) problem by getting you to install some remote access software onto your device.

If you do this, the scammers will then aim to take control of your device to steal money from you (for example by accessing your online banking, stealing your personal info or locking you out of your computer and demanding a ransom etc.). Fortunately you did not install the remote access software and you ended the call.

None of these organisations will ring you up out of the blue for 'support' type of issues. If you want to check any such incoming call, find the correct published number for that organisation (not one the scammers give you) and place an outbound call yourself to query any possible issues, if you have any concerns.

The scammers will inevitably call you again (and may pretend to be another organisation). When they do, just hang up on them without talking to them.

[Johnmor]

Thanks for this, glad I was sceptical 

[MDR_]

Have just had similar call today 5/06/2024 12:54 from (possibly cloned) [REMOVED] claiming to be from Virgin Media and that my internet had been compromised and that other people were using my internet.  He wanted me to secure my hub by using my mobile.  He (with a strong Indian accent) said that all my devices were at risk, but when I explained that my PC had anti virus, he said my computer was OK, but my phone wasn't.  But how does this then relate to the hub, which I questioned him on.  He kept saying all my devices were at risk, but every time I mentioned my PC had antivirus he kept focusing on the phone.  I kept calling him out that he was contradicting himself, and that hub issues can be resolved automatically and remotely by VM technicians.  I think this is a SCAM call.  But how do I report this to VM.  There doesn't appear to be a channel to report scam calls.

[MOD EDIT: number edited in case it's an innocent number being spoofed]

[goslow]

There is little/no point in reporting the experience to VM. The call you received was just one of many thousands crossing the UK telecoms networks each day. VM is well aware of this kind of activity.

The aim of the call is to gain remote access to your device(s) with a view to committing fraud against you (typically accessing your online banking, identity theft etc. etc.)

You at least recognised it for what it was. Many do not and are taken in.