The PC owner (victim) is told that the representative is from Microsoft and that they are calling about a computer problem (often a computer virus) that was detected by Microsoft. To confirm the problem, the victim is often directed to open Windows Event viewer to check if their PC has been infected. Several error messages are listed, even though these errors are common and often harmless. The victim is then offered technical support for a fee and directed to a website where they are prompted to download a program or enter a code. This gives control of their computer to the caller so that they can perform the required “fixes”. And then it’s time to pay a fee for the service.
The “fix” that they have performed has actually installed a virus, spyware or malware so that their computer can be controlled remotely. The victim’s credit card information has also been compromised as it is given to the scammer.
Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer. Below is a quote from Microsoft regarding the virus scam.
Quote from Microsoft:
“Microsoft takes the privacy and security of our customers and partners personal information very seriously. We are advising customers to treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism and not to provide any personal information to anyone over the phone or online. Anyone who receives an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft should hang up. We can assure you Microsoft does not make these kinds of calls.”
“Microsoft takes the privacy and security of our customers and partners personal information very seriously. We are advising customers to treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism and not to provide any personal information to anyone over the phone or online. Anyone who receives an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft should hang up. We can assure you Microsoft does not make these kinds of calls.”
What should you do if you receive a similar call and aren’t sure what to do? Hang up. Or better yet, tell them you don’t own a PC and they’ll hang up on you.
If you are concerned that your may have computer problems, due to the viruses or malware, we would strongly recommend that you bring your computer in to have it thoroughly checked out.
- Janet F, IT Consultant
Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner #1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca
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