The scam goes like this…
You receive a random phone call from someone with a heavy accent (usually Indian) saying they’re from Microsoft, or an alarming pop-up appears on the screen, saying it looks like your system has been infected with a virus. The other variations of this scam could appear to be from your Internet provider, bank, or IRD.
To fix the problem, they need you to download some support software, which they’ll give you a special link for. Actually, it’s exactly the same software that legitimate companies like ours use!
A technician then uses that software to gain access to your system and make it appear your system is riddled with viruses. Flashing screens, mysterious diagnostics whizzing by, fabricated errors…they’ll do or say anything to make you panic. They’ll even go as far as claiming your system has been infected with illegal content and if not corrected, you’ll face criminal charges.
Demands for credit card information follow immediately after. Once paid, they simply stop fiddling with your system to make it seem the problem is fixed. To continue the scam, they’ll soon access your system to recreate the problem, this time offering a subscription for ongoing protection.
What to do if you’re targeted by a tech scam
Don’t taunt them. Just hang up. Right now you’re only a phone number in their system and they’ll move onto the next – if you give them cause to target you personally, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation. Remember – Microsoft will never randomly call people like this. Ever.
If a pop-up appears, don’t click it and don’t call the number shown on the screen. It’s will be difficult to close it, so just close your browser or restart the computer. After you got rid of the popups, immediately run an anti-virus scan.
What to do if you’ve already been scammed
It’s okay. It feels horrible, but you’re not alone and the situation can be corrected. Call your bank and have the charges reversed and your card reissued. It’s easier than you might think and helps the authorities locate the scammers.
