The Kimberley and District Chamber of Commerce has shared a warning about a computer scam.

It is a scam where callers pretend to be Microsoft employees offering to solve computer problems and it is becoming extremely widespread.

The fraud artists claim they are with Microsoft and tell people their computers are infected with a virus and that a payment is required to have it removed. In the process, they charge as much as $400, collect credit card information and gain access to all of the personal files and contents on that person’s hard drive. Microsoft does not call consumers about computer issues, so any and all calls of this nature are fraudulent.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to want to help you fix your computer, Microsoft offers the following advice:

Be wary of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company.

Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller.

Do not go to a Web site, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue.

Take the caller’s information down and report it to the police.

Ensure you have the latest security updates for Windows and all programs running on your PC.

Always use a strong, unique password and change it regularly

Keep your firewall turned on and run an up-to-date antivirus program.

If you think you may have already fallen victim to this scam, Microsoft advises you to change the passwords on your computer, main e-mail account, and your web access for bank and credit card accounts.

 e-KNOW

Article Share