The first step in a long battle...

FTC cracks down on telephone tech support scam, read this first,

Regulators smash global phone tech support scam operation

So in the last 15 service calls that I have processed, 2 have been this scam. With the golbalization of customer support and the ease of remote access to your computer this scam is easy quick and profitable.  

I have seen a even worse situation where the initial target is contacted a second time to let them know that a second virus is on their computer and again the target pays money.  

Signs of the scam, 

- Unsolicited phone call

- Demand to access you computer remotely

- Will to negotiate on the repair price

- Will not provide a call back number

When in doubt, hang up, and as always if you have any security, virus, or malware questions, please feel free to contact me.