Hi Tomoko,
Yes the dirty rats will impersonate Microsoft.

A couple years ago, there was aloud warning on the computer saying "YOU ARE BEING HACKED, YOU ARE BEING HACKED" I was not thinking too well (you did the right thing by disconnecting from them) so I called the number on the screen and the man answered had a strange accent that I didn't recognize.

Long story short they wanted USD$ 300/ I told him I wouldn't pay that so he put a lock on the computer. First of all I shouldn't have given him access to the computer through the "back door" and the lock effectively keeps you from using the computer in any way.

I was fortunate as our local computer store was able to take the lock off.

So beware don't cooperate with these thieves, do like Tomoko did hang up or discard any strange messages on your screen.

These thieves will try anything to get you to cooperate to there scheme.

Glad you got rid of them, Tomoko.

Have a nice day.

Bill

Just on an aside, you would have to be a pretty big wig for any major platform to give you a phone call.

It doesn't happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well in the real world!

What happens is scammers use a thing called an "autodialer," which continually rings people randomly, there will be folks there in a call centre ( sweat shop) processing calls should someone pick up.

One of the ones doing the rounds in this neck of the woods is folks rining up saving that your visa card has been debited for a lot of money.

You guesed right they are going to sort it out for you and credit your account; they just need your details first of course?????

Once again banks never ring asking for account details.

Microsoft office 365 went down yesterday, hackers from Russia apparently.

We are living in a challenging world.

Thank you for the heads up, Tomoko, in a community like WA this can be so helpful.

There are folks out there that do impersonate Microsoft.

Scammers are getting sophisticated.

Alex.

Yes, I've had a few from Microsoft's technical department over the years, usually they claim that your computer has some major issues (possibly been hacked) and they ask you to follow a procedure that is meant to show you the corrupted files. Then they offer to fix them remotely for a fee.
Sometimes you get the same kind of thing through 'pop-ups' on your screen, telling you that there are a bazillion issues with your computer and ask you to pay to have them removed.
All scams, you did well to spot this one, sometimes they can sound quite convincing.

As others have stated this is just another spam tactic to hack into your personal details.

I have had phone calls from a certain phone company in Australia leaving messages to call back as my computer is at risk of hackers and to call back and ask for technical support. The funny part I don't even use that company.

There are so many attempts it is a joke. Also if you do answer a phone call don't give your name and if they have your name as asked you if that is you never say yes as they recorded your voice and can use that to scam you in other ways

Best to not answer messages that have been left. Never give you name or say yes this is me

Take care

Scams out there. I don't pick up any calls anymore unless I know who is calling me. The best is never to pick up the call and not even say your name or state who you are. Never engage in conversation. One day, I picked up a call by accident very similar phone number of someone I was expecting a call. I guess I was having a bad day, and he wished he never called my number ever again. This is someone that had my name and my family's name. So, he had done his homework to find names to call.
Nowadays, I don't pick up calls from numbers not listed on my phone.

Stay safe and healthy. :)