SCAM ALERT – Scammers are posing as ‘support technicians’ in an attempt to gain
remote access to a computer.
The
Sheriff’s Office has received complaints from the community regarding scammers making
unsolicited contact using pop-up messages. The scammers pose as ‘support
technicians’ claiming a problem exists on the consumer’s personal computer and
offering to fix the problem remotely. The
scammer will request credit card information claiming to charge for services.
Several
variations of this scam exist, such as:
1. A
fraudulent email providing a link or
attachment that claims to start the Windows 10 installation process.
2. An
unsolicited internet pop-up attempting to
guide the consumer through the installation process.
3. A
phony phone call from someone posing as a Microsoft employee, who offers to
assist with an upgrade to Windows 10 or
‘help’ with any other Microsoft product.
Microsoft
offers solutions if you are already a
victim or are targeted by one of these scams:
1. Do
not follow the instructions, click on links
or open attachments. If you received the information by email, delete the
message.
Visit the
Microsoft Safety and Security Center - www.microsoft.com/security/default.aspx
- for more information and resources
dedicated to helping keep your PC safe from threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attempts.
