The would-be victim in the case was not taken by the scam, but the caller has left messages requesting they return calls.
Hall said updates for your computer can be purchased at retail stores, computer shops, or at the purchase of a new computer. “Never turn your computer on for anyone that may call as it could allow the caller or an unknown outside person to take control of your computer and gain any information stored therein.”
Bob Agoglia of the Computer Guy & Company of Roanoke Rapids said to never trust unsolicited phone calls and never provide personal information.
The callers typically misrepresent themselves as employees from Windows Help Desk, the Windows Service Center, Microsoft Tech Support, Windows Technical Department Support Group and the Microsoft Research and Development Team. “We often hear of those that claimed employment with antivirus software makers,” Agoglia said. “These criminals will offer to help you resolve computer issues or attempt to sell you software licensing. Gaining your trust and access to your computer, they can quickly trick you into installing malicious software that captures sensitive data, takes control of your computer remotely, requests credit card information to pay for phony billing, open doors for hackers, and can even direct you to fraudulent websites designed to gather personal information. This can be disastrous.”
Agoglia said there are a few rules of thumb to follow when dealing with tech support scams:
Never purchase any software or services
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can verify that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team of which you are already a customer
Report the caller's information to local law enforcement
Never give your credit card, financial information, social security number, birth date or any other sensitive information to anyone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support
“Keep in mind that Microsoft will never cold call you directly concerning issues with your computer,” he said. “The same is true for antivirus software companies. If there is a doubt about your computer's health and security be sure to take your machine to a local repair company and speak face to face with a technician.”
