During January alone I’m estimating my customers have been scammed out of $20,000.00. Based on customer stories, all the money was taken within the first five minutes of being called. Call centers have upped their game and are now more unscrupulous than they’ve ever been.
The Microsoft scam is nothing new, and by now I’d be surprised if you haven’t gotten a call. Most people realize the foreign caller with a generic name like John Smith is truly not from Microsoft. However, there are still a fair number of people who don’t realize they’re being scammed until their account is empty.
First off, if you get one of these calls do not let them connect to your computer and immediately hang up. Microsoft, Intel, Hewlett-Packard and Google will never call you. Never give them your name or any identifying information. Although the callers may sound legitimate, they have no way of knowing if you even own a computer.
Typically the Microsoft scam starts with a phone call claiming your computer is running poorly. They request to be connected to your computer to run a diagnostic. During the diagnostic they point to normal Windows functions and tell you they need to be repaired.
If you choose to do the repair they ask for payment by credit card. Most of the time they will tell you the card number isn’t working and ask you for your routing and account numbers. Sometimes they’ll suggest a direct transfer by having you log into your bank account from the computer.
Having your routing and account numbers gives the thieves access to your account to make Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions at any time without your consent. By using keystroke recording software they can record your bank passwords. I’ve heard stories of bank accounts being drained overnight.
Often times they will record the phone call and ask you questions that require a “yes” response. Your recorded voice may be spliced into other calls in order to carry the scam further. You may have been asked if you can hear the caller. The “yes” response you made could then be used to authorize $1,000.00 be withdrawn from your account.
Today’s scammers are becoming much more brazen with their tactics. Many times they install software that allows remote access any time the computer is connected to the internet. Much of the software they install is known malware and viruses intended to make your computer worse.
If you choose not to pay the money they will frequently lock you out of your computer. Oftentimes they will also delete personal files. Remember, these are not good people and their goal is to make money by taking yours.
Do not let these people connect to your computer. If they did connect, more than likely they installed malicious software. If they connected and paid you need to go immediately to your bank. The bank should change your account information and direct you to have your computer repaired. It’s a headache for both you and the bank, but it’s the only way to prevent the scam from perpetuating.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. You can read past articles at www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)