Scammers and identity thieves are quite adept at taking advantage of whatever concern people may have at any particular time and, as you are aware, the announcement by Microsoft that it would no longer be issuing security updates for the Microsoft XP operating system has left many consumers concerned about what they should be doing if they are still using that system on their computers, laptops or tablets. Scammers and identity thieves have been taking advantage of this situation by starting to contact people by phone claiming that they are a part of Windows Helpdesk, Windows Service Center, Microsoft Tech Support or any of a number of different entities and that they can help by providing updates remotely or by directing them to websites where they can sign up for help. All of these offers are phony. Neither Microsoft nor any other entity connected to Microsoft is making unsolicited calls to consumers. Allowing the caller to get remote access to your computer will only result in the identity thief getting access to the personal information contained in your computer which will be used to make you a victim of identity theft. When you are directed to websites, in other variations of the scam you are prompted to provide your credit card which will be used to steal from you or you will be prompted to provide personal information that will be used to make you a victim of identity theft.
TIPS
Remember, anyone who makes an unsolicited call to you offering to help you with your Microsoft XP is not connected with Microsoft or any related company. As always, you can never be sure of who is calling you whenever you receive a phone call even if your Caller ID indicates it is a legitimate caller. Caller ID can be manipulated by scammers through a technique called spoofing. The best thing you can do is to consider upgrading to another operating system. Windows XP is outdated and continued use of it will make you vulnerable to various hacking scams. You can go directly to Microsoft at www.microsoft.com to learn what other options may be available to you.