Client Care Experts

Victim Location 18032

Total money lost $150

Type of a scam Tech Support

This company took over my computer and froze the screen. There was a pop up window that stated they were from Microsoft. The message began: Dear RCN customer which is my internet provider. There was a number to call so that they could "fix" the numerous viruses, Trojans, etc. that invaded my computer. When my husband called the number, they said that they needed money to fix my computer which would cost much more if we took it to Best Buy, Staples, etc. They stated that they were a subsidiary of Microsoft because Microsoft couldn’t handle all of the issues they received. They also stated that there was a beautiful angel on my desktop which could not be seen unless they had hacked my computer! I called Microsoft and was told that they were not nor would Microsoft ever hire an "outside" company. I now have a dispute with my credit card company. They have tried several times to take over my computer since January. Since I did some research, I found out that you must restart your computer to unlock the screen. I also checked the programs on my computer and found that there was a "Shop At Home" application which I didn’t install. Upon further investigation, I found that this company "hides" under this app and that they are owned by: LogMein Inc. I have the anti- virus WebRoot installed on my computer, so I could not have had any viruses. How were they able to take control of my computer?

Victim Location 48124

Total money lost $250

Type of a scam Tech Support

Computer said had virus and contact client care experts who charged a senior citizen $250 to take over his computer and fix problem. It is a scam they call from 1855 527 1346

Victim Location 94545

Total money lost $200

Type of a scam Tech Support

Company poses as Microsoft tech support via a pop up window appearing on computer screen when a virus is introduced. The pop up instructs to call Microsoft agent at the telephone number displayed. They then answer as "client care technical support" and give advice to fix the problem which cannot be fixed unless you give them $200.00 dollars for a one year contract and allow them to remotely access your computer. Once they have access to your banking records they debit your account and do not provide the service saying your computer is irretrievably compromised. After much argument they offer a refund via check that takes 45 days for processing. They refuse to let you speak to any other manager. After hanging up and researching the company I discovered several scam reporters to various pages. Per a report I filed with the FTC the contact is a known scam.

Victim Location 60423

Total money lost $150

Type of a scam Tech Support

Scam ?: Client Care Experts

On 2/5/2016 a pop-up appeared on my screen locking up the computer. I called the number (on the screen) given to prevent the virus from immediately entering any further into my PC. The number given (888) 702-0623 was for a spyware company with (what looked like) a Microsoft emblem and stated that they were a partner to Microsoft. The threat was that this virus would immediately enter my financial records and this company would take care of the problem and gave a 30 day warranty. The company that answered the call was Client Care Experts. They lockup the computer and advise you not to restart your computer. They charged me $150.00. My attempts to exit the screen did not work.

After thinking about what happened, I called the spyware/security company, we currently have a membership with, and asked if they had heard of Client Care Experts and if they could see what the company did (if anything) or if this sounded like a scam. They stated that scammers are good at using recognized logos and names and implying authorized connections when that is untrue.

The next day, on 2/6/016 the SAME pop up appeared on the computer – again urging immediate contact w/ Client Care Experts to address issue BUT w/ a DIFFERENT phone number (855) 527-1346. This time I did NOT call Client Care Experts but contacted the spyware company we know is legitimate and have used in the past. That company give us a cleaner to download and the problem was taken care of (w/ no charge)!

Victim Location 15146

Total money lost $250

Type of a scam Tech Support

Message appeared on our new computer stating suspicious activity had been detected (this was AFTER anti virus software had been installed). We were told to contact the number listed under the guise of Microsoft Edge. Upon calling the number, we were told our computer had been hacked and was infected with viruses, needed to be repaired. We were told it needed to be checked by a Microsoft technician and Best Buy/Geek Squad would not be able to help us as this was a Microsoft technical problem. After accessing our computer remotely (yes, we were that stupid), we were told with the strong wireless signal, they would be able to clean and scan the computer for us for $250(NOTE: THIS IS WHERE WE SHOULD HAVE HUNG UP). Gave credit card, billing address, and email information over the phone They pressed hard for purchasing of their Endpoint Security by Webroot for an additional $200. We didn’t bite. They had access to our computer for about an hour. Called credit card company to try and reverse the charge and report them as fraudulent; this is still pending. Besides making off with your credit card money, they want access to your personal and financial information via the computer. Do not give them access; take your computer in for technical support in person to save yourself the headache. I wish we had.

Victim Location 53555

Total money lost $550

Type of a scam Tech Support

A flashing message saying to call this number immediately because my computer had a virus. I believe now that they put the virus on there. They were to send me an email showing what they charged mr credit card and I never received one.

Victim Location 60177

Total money lost $400

Type of a scam Tech Support

My computer screen locked up stating a had a malicious virus on my computer. It told me to call Microsoft. When I called it was a Microsoft affiliate named Client Care Services. They showed me an alleged Microsoft website that shows they are an affiliate. They explained that depending on what type of problem are computer had Microsoft would route us to the appropriate affiliate… And they were them. They also showed me their website. Then they explained I could go to best buy but it would cost more money and take longer. I signed up and they charged $250. Then they added webroot (3 yrs for $150) for a total of $400. They even showed me an article about how Kapersky didn’t catch all viruses. We had signed up for Kapersky 3 days prior. They had remote access to my computer. They printed out my confirmation email in gmail. They then hung up and said to keep my computer open. It will take them 4-6 hours to get rid of all the virus and install webroot. They even made sure Google was out main page as we liked. After hanging up they called again just to make sure we were happy and had any questions. After hanging up again I saw them working on out computer. It took 3+ hours. They then called afterwards and a few times the following day. I called Microsoft and they verified they were not an affiliate. They said Microsoft never would contact us like that and it was a scam. Client Care even said after I told them they were a scam that didn’t I see their name on the Microsoft pinpoint affiliate pngage? Anyways, I feel like an [censored]. They got $ from us and we are worried what they did to our computer and what info they got. We are disputing the charges. We’ve canceled the card and taken the computer to an IT shop for repair.