For the last several months there has been a rash of fraudulent phone calls from “tech support” calling to inform unsuspecting users that their computer is infected with a virus and they’re calling to assist in removing the threat. Many users have been tricked into following the scammers’ suggestions, which ranged from allowing remote access to their computer and downloading software code to providing credit card information and making a purchase. Many were duped because the callers said they were from reputable companies that people recognized.
Don’t fall for it…
Microsoft offered up some advice, including:
- Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company.
- Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller.
- Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue.
- Take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities.
- Use a strong password and change it regularly.
See this link from Microsoft offering additional advice and how to avoid falling victim these types of scams.
