knightmare
12-08-2010, 07:15 PM
The Better Business Bureau has some advice for anyone who gets a call from someone claiming to represent Microsoft warning that their computer has a virus: hang up.
The BBB in British Columbia says a telephone scam that has plagued the U.K. and Australia for the past couple of years has arrived in Canada.
"People should think twice when giving out any information, even if the name sounds familiar," said BBB B.C. president Lynda Pasacreta.
In this case, the scammers are using the most recognizable name in the computer business.
According to Pasacreta, victims of the scam get a call from someone who knows their real name and address. The caller says they are from Microsoft, stating: "We've had a report from your internet service provider of serious virus problems from your computer."
The caller warns that if the problem is not solved, the computer will be unusable.
The victims are then directed to download a program to fix the problem, which instead hands over remote access to their computer to criminals.
Then they are told they have to pay a fee for the supposed service.
The culprits have complete access to everything on the victim's computer.
Microsoft does not make calls to fix people's computers, but the BBB says that using the company's name helps the caller earn the victim's trust.
"Scammers often use familiar or well-established names to gain trust, which poses a real danger to the public," Pasacreta said.
The BBB says phoney phone calls are common, and that all unsolicited phone calls should be treated with suspicion.
The BBB in British Columbia says a telephone scam that has plagued the U.K. and Australia for the past couple of years has arrived in Canada.
"People should think twice when giving out any information, even if the name sounds familiar," said BBB B.C. president Lynda Pasacreta.
In this case, the scammers are using the most recognizable name in the computer business.
According to Pasacreta, victims of the scam get a call from someone who knows their real name and address. The caller says they are from Microsoft, stating: "We've had a report from your internet service provider of serious virus problems from your computer."
The caller warns that if the problem is not solved, the computer will be unusable.
The victims are then directed to download a program to fix the problem, which instead hands over remote access to their computer to criminals.
Then they are told they have to pay a fee for the supposed service.
The culprits have complete access to everything on the victim's computer.
Microsoft does not make calls to fix people's computers, but the BBB says that using the company's name helps the caller earn the victim's trust.
"Scammers often use familiar or well-established names to gain trust, which poses a real danger to the public," Pasacreta said.
The BBB says phoney phone calls are common, and that all unsolicited phone calls should be treated with suspicion.