Scam Alert: February 2016

As computer systems get more secure, I’m amazed at the creativity scammers and hackers demonstrate as they evolve their attacks. I’ve decided to start a monthly posting on the subject.

THE SCAM:

A message pops up on a computer saying “You’ve been hacked!!!” it tells you to call Microsoft tech support and provides you with an 800 number.

RULE #1: Don’t trust information that is handed to you if you didn’t go looking for it. That phone number…. was presented to you. You didn’t ask for it. Don’t call it. If Microsoft has a tech support department, you should be able to find the number on your own. (FYI, Microsoft doesn’t contact people like this. They don’t really have a “You’ve Been Hacked” help desk. And Google doesn’t call you to update your business listing either. It’s all a scam)

So, anyway, you call “Microsoft”, and you talk to someone who sounds very professional, and wants to help. Here are the things that will happen on this call:

1. They will rely on scare tactics and tell you that the clock is ticking. The hackers are going to wipe out your computer if you don’t act now
2. They will try to get a credit card number to pay for the “tech support” that they are providing. Maybe $200, maybe $400
3. They will use TeamViewer or LogMeIn or some way to get remote access to your computer and they will show you that your updates are behind, etc. etc.
4. They will ask you for the password to your computer

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? Don’t call the number! Call a computer technician that can talk you through it. Most likely, it’s just a web pop-up. You haven’t been hacked… but you will be if you call them. Get your PC tuned up and checked for viruses, maybe change your banking and email passwords… simple measures to ensure you’re safe, but for Peet’s sake, don’t call these guys and let them access your PC and take your credit card info. The scam is brilliant. The hackers tell you to call them to undo the hack… but there never was a hack, you get hacked by calling them, handing them money willingly, and actually handing them the keys to your computer.