BBB alerts consumers to a phone scam in which callers claim to be from Microsoft Technical Support. The caller tells the consumer they have a virus on their computer and have called to help them remove it. Local residents state the number on Caller ID is 1-989-728-0130. One consumer reported being called twice by the supposed ‘Microsoft Technical Department,’ once by ‘Alex’ and then by ‘Angie’, both with thick foreign accents. They told her to go to her computer RIGHT NOW so they could help her get rid of the virus. This smart consumer told the callers she was not computer savvy and couldn’t do it, and that she only had a landline and the computer was in the other room.
BBB warns once these scammers have access to the computer they can install malicious software, steal personal information, take control of the computer remotely or direct consumers to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter their credit card information. Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories giving them enough information to convince you they are there to help, all the while in an attempt to collect more personal information.
Once they’ve gained your trust, they may ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a legitimate website to install software that will allow them access to your computer to ‘fix it.’ They may also ask for your credit card information. If you comply with their requests, your computer and your personal information are vulnerable.
Microsoft’s Online Safety and Security Center states that neither Microsoft nor its partners make unsolicited phone calls.
BBB advises consumers to follow these steps to avoid becoming a victim of this scam:
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.
Go through your service provider directly if you are concerned your computer may be exposed to viruses or other security threats. Some providers offer free tools that can help detect and remove viruses.
Install virus protection to help safeguard your computer from viruses.
Never give out personal information, over the phone to someone you don’t know. If the caller claims there is a security threat to your computer, hang up and call your computer company directly.
If you did allow a caller to access your computer:
Change the passwords for your computer, email and online banking/credit card accounts.
Be sure to run a virus scan
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report if you shared personal and banking information with the scammer