Source: Milwaukee Journal SentinelNov.mini storage 13--Scammers who claim to be from Microsoft or Windows tech support continue to call Wisconsin consumers, saying the consumer has a virus on their computer.The caller offers to "fix" the alleged problem in an attempt to gain remote control access to the computer. Several consumers have fallen for the scam and lost hundreds of dollars, according to the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin.Lisa Schiller, an investigator with the BBB Serving Wisconsin, said in the past few months, the organization has seen a significant increase in calls from consumers who received such scam tech support calls from people claiming to be from Microsoft or "tech support" departments at other companies. The scammers say they've detected potential computer viruses or errors on the recipient's computer.People who allowed the caller remote access to their computer reported difficulties with their computer afterward, the BBB said. Some said their computers suddenly had viruses or particular software programs were no longer accessible."All callers I have spoken to fell for it," Schiller said in an email Wednesday. "All of them reported problems with their computers and all stated they did or were going to call a computer repair company to fix their computer (and ensure they have the proper anti-virus software). Most, if not all, consumers I have spoken with reported paying by providing a bank account number. Fees ranging generally between about $150-$400 were paid."According to Microsoft, scammers typically try to trick people into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data, including online banking user names and passwords.They can also adjust computer settings to leave your computer vulnerable. The scammers often use publicly available phone directories so they may know people's names and other personal information when they call.Schiller estimates the BBB has received a couple of dozen calls from Wisconsin consumers r儲存garding the scam. She said the BBB doesn't have exact figures because consumers didn't file formal complaints because they didn't have company information, such as a name, address, phone number or website for the caller.The BBB reminds people that computer firms, such as Microsoft, do not make unsolicited phone calls to consumers to report computer problems or viruses. They don't offer to diagnose and fix problems over the phone either."We are concerned with the increase in reports from consumers that they lost money to these unknown scammers," says Ran Hoth, CEO and president of the BBB Serving Wisconsin. "If you receive such a call, the best advice is to say no and hang up."Federal Trade Commission says it's been cracking down on the scams and continues to investigate and prosecute them.The BBB said consumers who paid for a bogus tech support service with a credit card should call their bank or credit card company immediately to dispute the charge.If you receive a call from the scammers, follow these tips:-- Say no to any help and hang up.-- Take the caller's information. Report it to local law enforcement authorities and file a complaint with the FTC.-- Don't trust cold calls. Never provide your credit card or financial information to anyone over the phone that you don't know.-- To protect your computer from viruses, install virus detection software.-- If you think you have a problem with your computer, find a repair company you can trust. Before you settle on a company, search for it in the BBB's database to check out complaints. It's also a good idea to do an Internet search for the company's name.For more consumer stories, viral stories, scam alerts, tips and the occasional freebie, visit the Public Investigator blog at .jsonline.com/piblog.Facebook: fb.me/GitteLaasbyPageTwitter: @GitteLaasbyMJSCopyright: ___ (c)2013 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Visit the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at .jsonline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉
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