When tech support calls you

I received so many emails about this scam I thought it was important to talk about it specifically.  

A lot of our clients have been getting a call from people with (surprise surprise) an East Indian accent saying they are from Microsoft and that they’re computer is infected with a virus.

They ask the victim either A) login to their computer and download a ‘fix’ (which is actually a virus that will steal their personal passwords and financial information) or they B) ask for a credit card number to pay a small ‘techs support fee’.  You can guess what they then do with all that information.  They go on a shopping spree.

A few things to remember:

• If it sounds suspicious, it probably is
• Microsoft, and every other software provider, issues security updates directly to your computer, they will never call you
• There are entire industries (especially in India, Nigeria, Russia, and Eastern Europe) whose sole purpose is ripping off gullible Americans.  Be wary of anyone with poorly spoken, but overly formal, English.

Freedom Writers Publishing
1815 Central Park Dr. #358
Steamboat Springs, CO  80487