Compuaide Computer Services, Inc.
ph: 513-738-3345
admin
Be aware of Computer and Telephone Tech Support Scams. They will manifest themselves either by a phone call or as a pop-up on your computer. The scammers always identify themselves as being a representative of a 'Reputable' company such as Microsoft, Windows, Norton, Avast, etc..
THEY ARE NOT!
We have recently seen a rash of customers being scammed both by telephone and computer. One customer recently lost $300. to a scammer claiming to be from Microsoft. Another customer was more fortunate, she only lost $60. to the scammer who also said he was from Microsoft and that her 'drivers' were outdated. Another customer almost lost $600. to a scammer who identified his company as 365/24 Support. He paid the initial $300. then became suspicious and was in the process of closing his checking account when his bank called him and told him the 'company' attempted to withdraw another $300. which the bank denied.
That is just three examples of five customers in less than a week. Now add to that the hassle, time and expense in having the computer wiped clean, closing checking and/or credit card accounts, changing passwords, etc.
All victims gave total strangers complete access to their computer, credit card number, and one person who didn't have a credit card, gave the scammer their bank routing number to their checking account to make payment.
In some cases we have seen, once the scammers had remote control of their computer they changed the computer password and the owner could no longer access their own computer. The latter happening when the computer owner became suspicious and either refused to pay or shut off the computer in the middle of the supposed 'repair'.
Most of the incidents are by telephone, but some of them are 'pop-up warnings' on the computer. In all cases the scammers sound to be professionals from legitimate companies.
If you receive a telephone call from someone claiming there is something wrong with your computer, please question the following:
· How do they know something is wrong with your computer?
· How did they get your phone number and your name?
· Ask them to give you the exact manufacturer name and model number of your computer
Finally, keep in mind always.......
#1 - Microsoft will NEVER call you. - Ask yourself when, if ever, you have given Microsoft your phone number?
#2 - If You Didn't Initiate it, Don't Trust it! - Unsolicited telephone calls, or Uninitiated Pop-Ups on your computer related to a 'security' problem, or claiming to want to 'help' you fix your computer. DID YOU ASK FOR HELP? (Exceptions to this rule are 'routine updates' for existing programs, such as Windows, Adobe, Java, and your Anti-virus software). Not 'Fixes or Repairs'.
#3 - Never give complete strangers remote control of your computer.
#4 - NEVER give anyone over the phone or computer your bank routing numbers or any other personal information unless you are absolutely SURE you know who that person is. A credit card charge can be stopped or disputed, but by giving your bank routing number, they can clean out your account leaving you with no recourse and broke!
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND LINKS:
https://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
http://www.fraud.org/news/57-tech-support-scams-costing-computer-users
http://abc7news.com/technology/7-on-your-side-exposes-computer-tech-support-scam/964708/
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/avoid-tech-support-call-scams,news-20750.html
Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.
(513) 738-3345
Copyright 2016 Compuaide Computer Services, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Compuaide Computer Services, Inc.
ph: 513-738-3345
admin