Microsoft Calling - Your Computer Needs Help!
The day is going well. You answered all your email and now you’re working on a presentation for next week. The computer seems a little slow, but it’s a large file. The phone rings …
“Hello! This is Jake from Microsoft and we have been alerted that you have a virus on your system. I would like you to go to: http://www.#@$!.com (this is not a real website) and put in this code so that I can help.”
Stop! It’s a scam. Shortly after you allow them to login, they will be asking for your credit card number. You will be a victim. Don’t engage them, just hang up.
You will never receive a legitimate, unsolicited call from Microsoft or its partners to charge you for computer fixes.
Even if you became suspicious and did not provide your credit card, if you allowed them access to your system, you must:
- Change your passwords. Change the password on your email, bank and other critical accounts. Tip: If you keep a file with your passwords on your computer, make sure that it is encrypted. Better yet, use a password management program.
- Scan your computer. Use a malware scanner to do a deep scan and remove any threats.
- Tip: Try the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool or MalwareBytes.
- Install or update security software.
- Tip: Whatever security software you use, always make sure it is up-to-date. If you need to install a security program, remember to match the level of protection to the need of your network. Often free programs are not designed or licensed to protect a business network.
If you gave them you credit card number, call the company and cancel your card. Dispute the charges. Tell the credit card company it is a scam. The only way to defeat these scammers is to be vigilant and refuse to be a victim. You can also file a complaint report with the FTC.
It is worth repeating. An authentic, reputable Microsoft partner will never call you unsolicited and ask to connect to your computer. Here is more information on phone scams from Microsoft.
As always, if you have questions or want to discuss reach out to me at mary@lansystems.com.
Sadly, one of my nicest residential customers in New City, NY fell for this scam last year, elderly couple. Not much I could do from Georgia.
Your point is timely. Knowing that the "helper" is always a good first step in engaging a resource.
LeVar, Glad that you were vigilant and got in a zinger. When did you receive the call? Was it on your mobile phone?
I received one of these calls. I asked the individual to confirm which PC it was that was the problem. I then told him that he should stop attempting to scam people considering I don't even own a Windows computer. He became a little irate and began tossing around expletives. All I could do was laugh, which I guess made him more irate. He told me he was launching a virus on all my computers, which I'm still waiting on...