Windows Service Centre Chatswood NSW Australia
Complaint 54743 Details

I received an unsolicited phone from "Windows Service Centre"in Chatswood New South Wales at around 7pm telling me that my computer had serious problems due to corrupt files. This sounded quite convincing as I know that my computer does has something wrong with it that is due to some form of file curruption. I also understand that my computer regularly sends error messages to Microsoft.They then took me through a procedure that showed what appeared to be a large number of messages reporting errors. The next step was to again tell me that they could fix these problems which they stated had arisen as a result of my Windows 7 Software Warranty having expired. I was a bit sceptical at this point as i was not aware that this software was subject to such a warranty.
I was then transferred to another person who gave me details of their warranty plans and what the warranty would cover. They tried to get me to sign up for a "lifetime"warranty at AUD150. I eventually settled for a 3 year warranty at a total cost of AUD100 via my mastercard. I received a receipt for STG65.00 from PC-CARE24H in the UK.
For the next hour or so my computer was controlled remotely whilst they downloaded a number of programmes and carried out what appeared to be extensive and intensive checks of my computer and rectification of errors found.
My suspicions were raised when, later on, I attempted to twice phone the contact number I had been given and this number was not answered. I then did an internet search to try and find out whether the Windows Service Centre in Chatswood existed but was unable to find any reference to it.
At approximately 10pm today a Mark Thomas, supposedly from the service centre, rang me to check how things were going. He could not really answer my queries aimed at attempting to verify the company's bona fides. When I asked him for the company's Australian Business Number he told me that this was confidential
and that he would have to speak to his superior as to whether this could be provided. This is false as Australian Business Numbers are listed on a public registry available to anyone.
I then informed him that his company was operating a scam and that I intended to go to the police. He urged me not to do this, which only increased my suspicion that a scam was involved.