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Scammers have had access to Dell's customer service databases for upwards of like 3 years. I get the calls periodically and once spoke with someone from Dell's

Scammers have had access to Dell's customer service databases for upwards of like 3 years. I get the calls periodically and once spoke with someone from Dell's security dept. about it. It's not clear whether the databases are current or outdated, though, and it's not clear how they got them. It's definitely not as narrow as 'data from Windows based suport software' or anything, because in my case I get calls from "dell support" claiming my 4k monitor has a virus. They seem to have a full support registry (my monitor is in the database because I had to RMA it). Sadly the nature of telecom security in the US means it's very hard to actually trace it back to them - the caller ID is always forged. As far as I know from speaking to Dell security staff they can't do anything without an unmasked number. If you get a call from the scammers try to get them to give you a callback number, because if it works it can be subpoenaed!

janoc 8y ago
These are Indian (and other) call center employees who contract as support for Dell (and others) during the day and then use their access and company data after hours for some extra buck. It has been going on for years, there was even an interview with one of these guys published - basically they do it because they would be stupid not to. It is essentially free money and the chances of getting caught are tiny. And even then the worst that will happen is that you get fired - and promptly re-hired by another call center operator. This is very much Dell's fault for outsourcing English-speaking (it is not a problem for other languages because it is much harder to find e.g. French or German speakers in those cheap labor countries) to the lowest bidder in India and elsewhere.
- walshemj 8y ago
  It does happen in the west as well I remember being briefed about a BT call centre where crims would hang out in a nearby underpass and try and get staff to get information. I did joke with my opposite number in Cellnet (o2) who was ex 2 Para and in the Territorial SAS about taking direct action :-)

janoc 8y ago

These are Indian (and other) call center employees who contract as support for Dell (and others) during the day and then use their access and company data after hours for some extra buck. It has been going on for years, there was even an interview with one of these guys published - basically they do it because they would be stupid not to. It is essentially free money and the chances of getting caught are tiny. And even then the worst that will happen is that you get fired - and promptly re-hired by another call center operator. This is very much Dell's fault for outsourcing English-speaking (it is not a problem for other languages because it is much harder to find e.g. French or German speakers in those cheap labor countries) to the lowest bidder in India and elsewhere.

walshemj 8y ago
It does happen in the west as well I remember being briefed about a BT call centre where crims would hang out in a nearby underpass and try and get staff to get information. I did joke with my opposite number in Cellnet (o2) who was ex 2 Para and in the Territorial SAS about taking direct action :-)