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We aren't just fighting
against spam emails anymore - scammers are calling our phones too. Just because
someone claims to be calling from a legitimate business, doesn't mean they
truly are a representative of that company, nor does it confirm that their
intentions are pure.
We've seen a second
round of these phone scammers flood our homes and it's causing serious trouble.
Often they start by catching you off guard, tricking you into thinking your
computer has been hacked or that it is exhibiting symptoms of a malicious
virus. It's scary to think your sensitive data is insecure, including your
passwords, online banking data, social media accounts, credit cards, and client
data. This is where they get you - they claim they are helping protect your
data.
These callers are
aggressive and claim to be from familiar big-name organizations:
·
Windows Helpdesk
·
Windows Service Center
·
Microsoft Tech Support
·
Microsoft Support
·
Microsoft's Certified
Technician Team
·
Windows Technical
Department Support Group
·
Microsoft Research &
Development Team (Microsoft R&D Team)
·
Brand Name Computer
Makers such as "Dell"
·
Brand Name Security
Companies such as "Symantec" and "McAfee"
In order to verify your
computer has errors, they ask you to perform a variety of tasks:
·
They direct you to look
through your computer and read information that could lead to a 'diagnosis'.
Often they are leading you to a list of harmless and low-level error logs.
·
They direct you to
fraudulent websites that could load spyware onto your machine.
·
They want you to give
them remote access to your computer, so they can do it for you.
·
Then they request credit
card information so they can bill you for the phony services they provide.
There are a number of
arguments to keep in mind when you receive a call such as this:
Argument # 1: Does
the named organization really making their money placing house calls?
Absolutely Not! Solving your virus issues via proactive phone calls is not
where a huge organization such as Microsoft or Dell is making their money. They
have bigger fish to fry; they want to sell you software and hardware.
Argument # 2: Do
they actually know WHICH computer has the issue? Because if they are tracking
you, they should certainly know and be able to tell you the name of your
computer and how you can verify it. Don't be fooled if they know your name and
other personal information, as that data is readily available through a variety
of resources online. Just because they know you have a Windows computer isn't
validation enough.
Argument # 3: Will
they give you their name and phone number to call back? There may be super RARE
instances where Microsoft makes a call, but NEVER give your personal information,
never give credit card information, never give them access to your computer,
and never provide passwords or logins. Maybe they are a good guy, maybe they
even want you to speak to their manager, but prove it BEFORE you risk making a
mistake... take their information down and call your tech support, or call a
techie friend. Do you believe you have a virus on your computer or is this new
news to you? The point is, never trust unsolicited calls unless you can confirm
it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with which you are
already a customer.
Argument # 4: Ask
if there is a fee or subscription with the service. If there is, it's probably
a scam.
Argument # 5: Are
they asking you to install their special software? Frequently the software
these scammers load onto your computer is useless even though the name of the
program sounds helpful. And more often than not, the software is actually
malware or spyware that is set in place to steal your passwords and other data
following your phone call.
If you have been a
victim...
These callers are
certainly tricky, and we've seen good friends fall to their fear-provoking
tactics. If you've already fallen victim, there are some important tasks to
complete to protect yourself.
·
Refuse Payment: Call
your credit card company and refuse any and all associated costs.
·
Shut Down Your Computer: Do not
perform any online banking, purchases, or money transfers until you've verified
your computer is spyware and virus-free.
·
Remove Malware &
Spyware: Scan your computer for malware or spyware.
·
Change Your Passwords: Change
your computer password, your email password, your financial account passwords,
and others that you think may be compromised.
·
Seek Professional Help: If
you are truly concerned, we highly recommend you contact your local tech
support or even call the real big-name company your caller claimed to be from.
The disheartening part
of this whole scamming trend is that the number of people scammed successfully
must be high enough for the scammers to keep trying. Otherwise, the volume of
calls would not continue to increase as it has over the past several years. The
only way to rise above it is to remain educated and to remain cautious. Protect
your personal data as you would protect your family, your health, and your
life. Don't let just anyone in to prod around, and make sure your friends and
family know the same.
Kelly Heck
InfoPathways: IT-Support & Web Design
http://www.infopathways.com
410-751-9929 x105
InfoPathways: IT-Support & Web Design
http://www.infopathways.com
410-751-9929 x105
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This article was written by (Kelly Heck) This link to the personal page for writer On the original site For this article
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