microsoft issues warning on phone scam

This week one of my clients in Launceston was cold called by someone who claimed to be a Microsoft Engineer. My client was told that Microsoft had detected viruses on their computer. They were instructed to start their computer and then directed to a website.

The cold caller then remote controlled their computer and proceeded to convince my client that their computer was badly infected with viruses.  It was only when the subject of money came up that my client got suspicious and called me.  Luckily, no credit card details were handed over, however the scammer still had control of my clients computer for some time.  I am now in the process of cleaning up my clients computer and making sure the cold caller did not install anything nasty.

from Microsoft Australia News Centre

I found this following article on the Microsoft Australia News Centre website ...

Last month Microsoft warned Australians to be wary of a phone scam that has left some victims hundreds of dollars out of pocket.  Scammers are using several well-known brands, including Microsoft, to fool people into believing that something is wrong with their computers. The scam typically unfolds in the following manner:

• A cold caller, claiming to be a representative of Microsoft, one of its brands or a third party contracted by Microsoft, tells the victim they are checking into a computer problem, infection or virus that has been detected by Microsoft.

• They tell the victim they can help and direct them to a website that then allows the scammers to take remote control of the computer.

• The cold caller will then spend some time on the computer trying to demonstrate where the ‘problems’ are and in the process convinces the victim to pay a fee for a service that will fix the computer.

“In reality, there is nothing wrong with their computer but the scammer has tricked the consumer into believing there is a problem and that paying the fee is the best way to get it fixed. Often they will also push the customer to buy a one year computer maintenance subscription.  They are just trying to scam innocent Australians out of money,” said Stuart Strathdee, Microsoft Australia’s chief security advisor.

Strathdee also said that the callers presented themselves in a professional manner and sounded genuine.  “Don’t be fooled, Microsoft is not cold calling consumers in regards to malfunctioning PCs, viruses or any other matter,” he said.   “We strongly advise Australians to simply hang up if they receive a call of this nature and not to respond to any communications from these scammers.  “If you’re not sure, contact Microsoft on 13 20 58 or the Police,” he said.

do not be fooled ...

Let me repeat the words of Microsoft Australia's cheif security advisor, "Do not be fooled by these scammers".  Microsoft or any other company are not in the practice of cold call consumers about malfunctioning computers. And while I'm talking about such things, another common scam involves emails from banks asking consumers to verify their details. Banks do not send out unsolicited emails and definitely do not request their clients to verify their details online.  Cold callers can sound very convincing and emails can look 100% legitimate.  Unless you personally know the caller or the sender of the email, and you have had them around for a meal, and you would trust them to look after your kids, and you have named them in your will, do not believe them.