Sedona AZ (July 28, 2015) – The following computer scam alert information is from Anthony Palermo, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office community liaison:

I have a “company” on the phone telling me of problems with my computer etc. and, because I know this is a scam, I just hang up.

Today, I received a call from a woman who told me the same story, but she admitted that she gave the caller her credit card number to fix the problem. She went on to explain that when asked for her Social Security number, she became suspicious.

They told her to leave the computer on for the next three hours so they can fix the problem.

My advice is:

Ø Pull the plug on your computer for now.

Ø Change your passwords.

Ø Notify your credit card company of the possibility of a scam.

Ø Notify your bank of the scam.

The following is a related scam alert that was emailed during March 2015.

NEW SCAM HITS VALLEY MONDAY MORNING

Please be aware that a new twist on an old scam hit the Valley with a call early Monday morning.

The caller will claim to be from MICROSOFT and will advise you that your computer is under attack.

He will then give you a story that will be something like, “I’m with the Microsoft security division, and we are attempting to trace this person hacking your computer!” or “A hacker is attempting to get into your computer and he (Microsoft) needs access to your accounts to fix the problem.” He may also use a name that sounds like Microsoft, but not directly Microsoft.

If you give this person access to your computer he will have the ability to see and retrieve all your data on the machine.

He may even be bold enough to ask for your credit card information so he can match it with information on the computer.

DO NOT GIVE HIM ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER! HANG UP! This is a scam. Microsoft will never call you about a problem with your computer.

For more information on scams, follow the SedonaEye.com daily. You may also sign up for Scam Alerts on the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office website at www.ycsoaz.gov today.

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