The Better Business Bureau
(BBB) Yavapai County Office is hearing from local consumers who have received
phone calls from individuals claiming to be from “Live Tech Support”
representing Microsoft® or a “Windows Service” Center. Consumers state that the
callers claim “errors” or “warnings” have been discovered on their computers.
The caller claims that, if not corrected, the computer will crash or be
severely damaged. BBB warns consumers that this is a scam.
“The scammer offers to
demonstrate the computer problems and fix those problems over the phone by
instructing consumers to follow their commands on the computer,” said Mary
Hawkes, BBB’s Yavapai County Office Director. “But in reality, the scammer may
install malicious software when they gain remote access to the computer,
leaving the computer vulnerable. Or they may request credit card information to
bill for computer repair services.”
According to Microsoft’s
Safety and Security Center website, “Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone
calls to help you fix your computer.”
BBB suggests the following
tips for consumers to stay safe online:
- Protect
your computer and your personal information from malware with a firewall
and an anti-virus program; update those programs regularly.
- Update
your operating system and web browser software regularly.
- Protect
your passwords. Keep them in a secure place. Create passwords that have at
least eight characters and use numbers, symbols and letters. Do not use
the same password for each online account that you have.
- Back
up important files.
- Be
wary of unsolicited calls claiming a security problem or virus with your
computer, even if they claim to represent a well-known company such as
Microsoft.
- Know
who you’re dealing with. Never give personal or financial information to
unsolicited callers.
- If
you received this call and allowed remote access to your computer, your
computer information may be compromised. Immediately run anti-malware and
anti-virus programs. Contact a reputable computer repair technician to
further examine your computer for issues.
- If
you received this call and provided credit card or bank account
information, contact your financial institution immediately.
For more information or to
schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Mary Hawkes at
928-772-3410 or mhawkes@arizonabbb.org.
About BBB
Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona
BBB
is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and
honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually
agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business
behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in
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