Woman Says Dell Remotely Accessed Her Webcam
According to NBC DFW, a Texas woman claims that a Dell customer support agent remotely accessed her Web-cam, without her permission, while she sat in front of her laptop. Dianne Annunziato, who lives in a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth, says she called the computer manufacturer's support line around 9:30 p.m. in late January to ask for help with her new computer. The technician asked Annunziato a few questions, including what time of day it was, before she noticed a small box on the screen with her image in it.
"He turned on the Web-cam; he never asked, 'May I? Can I?' Not a word, [he] just turned it on," she told NBC DFW. Annunziato asked for a supervisor when she realized what was happening. The person on the other end only laughed at her. Now, it appears, Dell representatives don't find the incident too funny. The company is investigating Annunziato's claims, which, if true, certainly point to a violation of company policy. A spokesperson told NBC that "appropriate action" will be taken against the tech support agent.
Let's hope a few seconds of grainy video featuring an angry, single mom were worth it. [From: NBC DFW, via: The Consumerist]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Gary Matter said 10:09PM on 1-28-2010
This further cements my opinion to avoid purchasing Dell Products. Not only is support horrible (you practically need a translater who can understand Hindi), but now some of them are spying on us through our webcams as well.
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!!
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Gary Matter said 10:10PM on 1-28-2010
This further cements my opinion to avoid purchasing Dell Products. Not only is support horrible (you practically need a translater who can understand Hindi), but now some of them are spying on us through our webcams as well.
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!!
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Joe Papierz Jr said 10:21PM on 1-28-2010
myragassemail, you can see your picture in any enclopedia. Look up Jackass.
Thank goodness the lady had presence of mind to ask for a supervisor. I'm surprised the Dell employee connected her to one. I guess he didn't know as much about computers as he thought he did. Everything you do on your computer can be traced back to you unless you have a ton of time and take extraordinary steps to erase your tracks. The odds are that the operator was usind a terminal and didn't even have access to the necessary parts of Dell's computer. Dell has a keystroke by keystroke record of everything that associate typed while connected with that caller. I hope the local authorities are brought into this case, too. I'm sure that employee broke some federal laws while he was peeping un-invited. I'm betting he doesn't think it was worth it now.
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honeybearshaddy1 said 10:30PM on 1-28-2010
In my opinion it is still an invasion of privacy. If the tech needed to turn it on to fix a problem for the customer he should have - at the very least - advised he needed to do so. The idea that he could turn it on remotely and has no qualms about doing so with out the persons knowledge or consent is the problem. It is not acceptable. If you are in any business at all you will learn that your customers are your bread and butter so make them happy - give them quality service and a superior product so that they will keep coming back. Dell computers aren't cheap -- I KNOW I have one and if this happened to me I would not buy another especially if the supervisor had the nerve to laugh about it. As it is I question calling tech support for issues with my computer if privacy is not a guarantee. So the woman was not naked -- what does that matter?! AND it is not about suing a person for doing what the tech did -- it's about saying hey I asked you to help fix my computer not invite you in to my home or ask you to spy on me while you did it!
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Cappy Lills Kid said 10:33PM on 1-28-2010
It was an invasion of privacy - pure and simple.
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Lotte said 10:37PM on 1-28-2010
Just a thought...it might be MORE accurate if the 'headline' read "Dell EMPLOYEE". From info in the article the company does NOT allow this, but this jerk off thinks he can do what he wants and then laugh at the customer.
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dd said 10:49PM on 1-28-2010
What happened to her is scary, and WRONG. This could happen to anyone of us. Big Brother is watching! Makes me think I need to cover up my webcam when (or IF) I ever call for tech support.
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lizzie said 10:51PM on 1-28-2010
It may have been a breach of Dell company policy and an unpleasant experience for this woman, but please, get a real problem! If this is the worst thing that ever happens to you then you are very lucky. She's just enjoying her 15 minutes of fame.
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beckylorch said 11:05PM on 1-28-2010
I have a Dell computer, I invested in a software contract which cost $129.00 you get 4 sessions, If you purchase a contract you are assured that you will get a english speaking Tech from the USA.
I do not have a webcam so I don't how they work, Could it not be turned off on her end so he could not tune in to her?
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gerry said 2:16AM on 1-29-2010
I have a Dell and I am not going to invest extra money in a software contract just so I can get an english speaking Tech from the US. I purchased my Dell in the US and I should be able to get a Tech from the US that speak english.
Mike Q said 11:08PM on 1-28-2010
She may only get 15minutes of fame but she will likely get much more. If I was on a jury and heard this case, she would end up well off. Dell has no right and actually felt it was funny? $100,000 for each minute she was on the air should suffice.
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Bill said 11:09PM on 1-28-2010
myragassemail...
This lady could have been anywhere on the net, had the laptop on a table and have been making breakfast (if we use her location at the time the same as in the video)she could be spied upon. And yes she could have been naked. The fact the someone can access her camera and turn it on to view her (without her permission)is definately an invasion. Next your television will come with a built in cam that someone on the other end can turn and watch you. And guess what, if your lucky maybe they will be lucky to catch you screwing on the sofa or maybe play with yourself- whatever. ( Hope I never get the chance to see that (your) moment.)
I can not understand your reasoning as to not being violated.
Since you happen to "be rolling" , have another and then put some serious thought into what happened.
How many "big brothers" do you need in your life.
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FluffystuffRules! said 11:20PM on 1-28-2010
Oooo, violated! That's my fave, so does this mean Dell is like my sugardaddy in prison now or something? Do I get to wear Dells slippers?.
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crazy207amber said 11:21PM on 1-28-2010
you got it!! Hilarious!!!
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Steve said 11:26PM on 1-28-2010
How is ANYONE surprised by this...?? I mean, they put these f**king cameras on these laptops and there is ONLY ONE PURPOSE for them... to catch you doing something that someone can post on YouTube without your knowledge or permission. If anyone thinks that cameras on every streetcorner watching your every move ISN'T THE GOVERNMENTS's and every Corporation's intent, think again. You're quite naive.
If this isn't Orwellian prophecy in the here and now, WHAT IS?
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verbire said 11:40PM on 1-28-2010
I don't think it's a good idea to let anyone take over your computer. Even tech support. How does anyone know what thier getting from your computer. Passwords, bank accounts, SSN's etc. personal pictures. It's kind of risky.
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Magz said 11:47PM on 1-28-2010
doesn't one's web-cam need to be turned on for tech support to access it?
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timmcrew said 12:16AM on 1-29-2010
If you find yourself in a situation you think could be questionable just unplug it from the computer till your finished. I keep washcloth over mine so it doesnt get dusty, but if yours is like mine it has a built in microphone. That means they could still hear you.
Like I said if you are in a situation where someone can remote access your computer
it may be best just to unplug it for that span of time.
yxk0012 said 12:31AM on 1-29-2010
Not necessarily. If the webcam is built-in or already plugged into an USB port, it can be turned on by the software.
LINDA said 11:55PM on 1-28-2010
HERE WE GO ANOTHER CHANCE NOW SHE CAN GET DELL TO PAY HER WAY LOL I THINK SHE WAS VIOLATED LONG AGO,HA PEOPLE WILL DO ANYTHING TO MAKE MONEY OFF SOMEONE NOW THE POOR GUY IN INDIA IS OUT OF WORK BECAUSE HE GAVE HER THE RIGHT ANSWER,GO AWAY LADY!!!!!
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