Corporal Chris Newel, Kimberley RCMP
Police have received a number of complaints over the past few weeks from computer owners about calls from people who say they are from Microsoft. The callers say there is a problem or virus on your computer and they need you to get on the computer, give them a bunch of information, pay them and they’ll fix it.
This is a scam!
There hundreds of thousands if not millions of computers in the world operating Microsoft programs, and that’s what the callers bank on when they call. They call on the pretext you have a computer and it operates on Microsoft. Chances are pretty good, right?
But let’s be realistic. Do you think Microsoft has bunch of people monitoring computers throughout the world, looking for problems so they can help you out?
Some people may have big brother theories, but regardless, don’t fall into the trap.
In some cases you pay them money and they don’t fix a thing. In other cases they gain valuable information from you, which could result in further identity or financial problems. Or worse, they gain access to your computer, which could include passwords, banking information and your contacts.
There are a number of legitimate businesses out there, but you must be vigilant. Do some research, get a call back number, Google the name, and check with your friends.
Police have a hard time keeping track of all the scams and frauds, but here is an overview of some of the more common types:
http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=87&languageId=1&contentId=4871
More information is available at: www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
