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 The caller will attempt to gain remote access to the homeowner’s
computer and will charge a fee for “virus removal,” and maintenance.
In recent cases, the company representing itself as Microsoft, would
then charge the homeowner’s credit card a fee ranging up to $150.00.
The person on the phone then typically hands off the homeowner to
another subject who will then take over remote access to the
homeowner’s computer.
This procedure allows the remote user to access all areas of the
computer. This operation is a scam and very hazardous to the
homeowner as it allows an unknown person access to all files stored
on the device. It also provides the opportunity for the unknown user
to leave behind viruses and malware. This allows the scammer to
continue to obtain information from the homeowner long after they no
longer have remote control of the device.
These people representing themselves as Microsoft are not affiliated
with the computer company. This scam has prompted Microsoft to
release a statement denying any affiliation to these direct call
techniques. The official Microsoft site has a separate page warning
consumers against these types of scams.
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http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
Never give access to your computer or any personal information to anyone over
the phone.
Should you have any questions about these or any other fraudulent activity,
please contact your local police department or the Logan County Sheriff’s Office
Criminal Investigation Division at 217-732-4159.
[Detective Sergeant Mark Landers,
Logan County Sheriff's Office]
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