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Microsoft Computer Repair Telephone Scam

Sedona AZ (September 5, 2012)Microsoft will NEVER initiate UNSOLICITED phone calls or emails regarding computer repair!

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has been notified of an ongoing scam involving fraud suspects representing themselves as “Microsoft” technical support employees. These scammers convince their “customers” to spend several hundred dollars as part of the fraud.

The current phone scam employs similar tricks to that of a fake antivirus software scam circulating the internet, also known as “scareware,” which tricks users by displaying a fake virus attack. Microsoft said that the live phone version of the scam involves suspects impersonating help desk engineers from legitimate software companies on their behalf. The scammers then pretend to warn users their PCs could be infected with malware and offer a free security check.

In reality, the scammers trick users three ways; in gaining permission for the scammers to remotely access users computers, download malware on  users computer systems, and, get users to part with credit card numbers to purchase fake security software to repair malware.This scam has mainly affected seniors and those new to computing who believe they are really speaking to a Microsoft representative sent to help. Some calls can last hours and will always involve payment for “services.”

Most of the suspects in this scam are located overseas. The caller ID information may even display common U.S. phone numbers but this does not mean it is a legitimate call.

Take the time to warn those less computer savvy such as family and friends about this scam. Social network this article to provide its valuable information.

Be aware. Never give your credit card information over the telephone to anyone that calls you on the phone! Use common sense – there is no emergency that cannot be handled using other resources if it requires a credit card to solve the problem!

See http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx for more details from Microsoft.

Citizens may contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions about this Microsoft scam at 928-771-3260.

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1 Comment

  1. Phishing Attack Steals Passwords says:

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/this-phishing-attack-is-using-a-sneaky-trick-to-steal-your-passwords-warns-microsoft/ar-AANW61O?ocid=uxbndlbing

    Microsoft has warned Office 365 customers that they’re being targeted by a widespread phishing campaign aimed at nabbing usernames and passwords. The ongoing phishing campaign is using multiple links; clicking on them results in a series of redirections that lead victims to a Google reCAPTCHA page that leads to a bogus login page where Office 365 credentials are stolen….(read more using the above link)

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