Anacortes residents have been receivng a lot of phone calls from scammers claiming to work for Microsoft, or for a company that can repair Microsoft computer problems, according to a news release from the Anacortes Police Department.
Typically, the scammers will warn that your computer is likely to crash in the next several hours or days and they have been asked to call you in order to "fix" the software problem. They will usually request a credit card number so that a fee can be charged for the software repair. Then, they will request information that will allow them to remotely control your computer.
The scammer gets your credit card info as well as access to all of the information on your computer. Any financial information (mortgage info, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, etc) stored on your computer can be immediately copied to their computer.
How can you avoid this scam?
1. Never let someone that you do not know control your computer remotely. If you have a computer problem, take the computer to someplace for repair. Anyone that has access to your computer remotely has the ability to dowload all of the information stored on your computer. Don't allow them that access.
2. Check out the information that they give you when they call. Scammers can sound very convincing. Ask a lot of questions and find out the name and address of the company that they claim to be with, the name of the person that you are dealing with, and the phone number where they can be reached. Then, plug that information in to Google or another search engine online. Often, online you will find warnings from hundreds of people who have already been scammed by the very people calling you. Use the internet to your advantage and find out who you are dealing with!
3. Never give out personal information to a caller you don't know. Most people are aware that they should not share things like Social Security Numbers on the phone. But scammers can also use other kinds of personal information, so never share where you are employed, who lives at your address, what kind of car you drive, etc. Scammers will often gather a lot of personal data so that they can call another time and make it sound as if they know you or they have your account information right in front of them. The simplet answer is that you should never share any personal information on the phone with someone that you do not know.
If you'd like more information about how to report online scams go to the Federal Govenrment's Website at www.IC3.gov.