A recent trend we have noticed is many people reporting they have been alerted to needing immediate support for their computer. This is typically done either through software which “detects” malicious items such as viruses on the computer (when the detection software itself is in fact a virus), or receiving a telephone call from someone who claims to be from Microsoft.
What comes next is an offer to fix the computer for an unusually high fee, commonly around $500. The individual is asked to give their card or account number, and is charged the fee, only to receive no support.
A couple things CSB would like to point out to help you be more aware and vigilant against yet another cyber threat: first, Microsoft, or any other company, has no way to track when your computer contracts a virus or malware, and are not going to call if they detect something. Even companies that build computer protection, like Norton, McAfee or Symantec, do not actively report your computer’s condition back to the company so someone can follow up with you. This is the first red flag that something suspicious is amiss.
Second, $500 is an extremely unreasonable price to perform such a service. Removal of computer viruses and other malicious software is a common service offered by legitimate companies such as computer repair shops or large retailers, but the price usually comes in at $50-$100, five to ten times less than the scammer is charging. The $500 price tag becomes even more ridiculous when you consider an entire new computer can be purchased for less than that.
Cyber security continues to be an ever persistent, and unfortunately, increasing risk. The scam mentioned here is especially hard to spot, as the scammers can seem so convincing either through the phone call or aforementioned “detection” software. Being aware and vigilant with technology are absolute musts these days. Our goal is to help you do so. If you do find yourself a victim of this situation please call the bank immediately if you have given out any financial or personal information. If you are receiving a notification of malicious software on your computer but do not have a protection program, or one different than what is alerting you, then you are already infected and should take your computer for repair immediately.
Awareness and caution are the best tools for safety, especially in the cyber world.
Further information on this scam can be found on the FTC website by following this link.
