The Tri-State Better
Business Bureau has received reports of local residents being called by
“Microsoft technicians”. The "representatives" tell the caller that
their computer system was overrun with viruses. To fix the problem the
technician needs remote access.
One local caller told a
BBB representative that, after allowing remote access, the “technician” did
actually perform a few helpful tasks like performing a virus scan. This helped
convince our caller that this might actually be a Microsoft technician.
Callers providing remote access give these
fraudsters entry to all computer files, information and confidential
materials stored within.
According
to Microsoft, “if you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to
be from Microsoft Tech Support, hang up. We do not make these kinds of calls.”
If you have been contacted
by someone claiming to be with Microsoft who needs to access your computer
remotely:
1.) Contact your bank
immediately.
2.) Run an anti-virus
scan.
3.) If you have sensitive
information belonging to others on your computer, let those individuals know
immediately.
4.) Consider putting a
security freeze on your credit reports.
5.) As always, the BBB
cautions consumers and businesses to be careful and protect passwords and
information that can compromise the integrity of your computer network.
This kind of fraudulent
attempt is not new, however we are seeing an increase in reports from local
residents. Microsoft, in reference to this scheme, puts it this way:
“Treat all
unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Do not provide any personal
information.”
