BEWARE – Some of my clients have been reporting they have received phone calls, some claiming to be from “Microsoft”, telling them that their computers are infected. The caller asks the User if they are online and if their computers are performing slowly. If their computers are not running, they will ask the User to boot the system and report on the start up time or, if the system is running and online, they will tell the User that a tech can take over control of it and clean a “virus infection”.
THIS IS A SCAM !!!
If you happen to receive one of these phone calls ask the caller for the name of the company, where they are located, and their phone number.
Then hang up and report this to:
IC3 (internet crime)
The Local FBI Office ( if you’re in the US)
Microsoft will never , repeat, NEVER , cold call people who use Windows. NEVER !!!
Do not fall for this latest scam.
NEVER allow strangers to take over your computer. NEVER !!!
If this has happened to you, I strongly suggest you do the following:
* Call all financial institutions you do business with and explain what has happened and get them to help you in case your financial information has been stolen.
* Contact law enforcement and file a report. Having written proof may help you later should something come back on you.
* Call your IT support company and ask that they backup your important data and reformat your PC.
* If you don’t have a trusted IT support company, give us a call, text or email.
Remember – If you have not called any tech support center for assistance then NEVER allow anyone who calls you unsolicited to take over control of your computer !