As the line in ‘The Poltergeist’ goes … they’re baaack!
The telemarketing scam with
callers, generally from India, claiming to work at a ‘Windows Technical Support
Centre’ and that your computer has sent them a virus warning. They will then ask you to open a screen on
your computer, showing background text scripting of an error or virus warning. The displayed text is part of the computer’s
operating system, not a sign of a virus infection.
The operator will try to sell you
a ‘fix’ for the problem (getting your credit card details and selling you a
virus program) or try to get ‘remote access’ to your computer (allowing them to
install the virus program in your computer).
A major international ‘Windows
Technical Support’ scam was closed down in October 2012, with the assistance of
Australian law enforcement agencies.
Microsoft (the makers of the
Windows system) does not call users unless a person has logged a service
request. They have published information on their website at http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx.
The Australian Government ‘Scamwatchers’
website has more information on these types of scams at http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/792165.
If you receive a call of this type, hang up. Do not give them any information or allow
remote access to your computer.
As I am currently receiving 2-3
of these types of calls per day, all phone calls are currently being screened through my
answering machine.
Sergeant Andrew LAKE 6695
Operational Procedures, Police Headquarters, BRISBANE
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