If someone phones you out of the blue to tell you they have detected a problem with your computer, you might want to think twice before handing over vital information and control of your computer to the unknown caller.   While it may seem like common sense to do so, your local RCMP are warning that they have received complaints about a recent wave of cold-call scams.

The scammers call using well-known brands, such as Microsoft, to fool people into believing that something is wrong with their computers. This is how it usually goes:

A cold caller, claiming to be a representative of Microsoft, one of its brands or a third party contracted by Microsoft, tells the victim they are checking into a computer problem, infection or virus that has been detected by Microsoft.

They tell the victim they can help and direct them to a website that then allows the scammers to take remote control of the computer.

The cold caller will then spend some time on the computer trying to demonstrate where the ‘problems’ are and in the process convinces the victim to pay a fee for a service that will fix the computer.   While there was likely no problem with your computer before, people who follow these instructions quickly find there is a problem now.   The scammer will have gained access to your credit card information and in many cases, the ‘service’ they offer is actually the installation of malware or spyware, making your computer a fountain of information for them.

Lately, the scammers have added a new tactic as well. Phone spoofing is a phone number that has been programmed into the system so your call display indicates a different number than the originators. This means that you can’t call them back even though a number shows up on your call display.

Think you’re being scammed? Ask yourself these questions:

S-Safe. If you give in to one of these frauds, would you be worse off for having done it?

C-Credible. Does the person who is trying to convince you have any credibility that can be verified?

A-Aggressive. Is the scammer using an aggressive tactic, or language, that requires an immediate or imperative response?

M-Motive. Is their motive to deprive you of money or assets (banking information), with a promise of greater reward?   If the answer is “YES” to any of the above questions, or you have any doubt, then don’t fall for it. If it’s a phone call, hang up. If a letter, throw it away. If in person, kindly tell them you’re not interested.

For more information on frauds or to report, please go to www.antifraudcentre.ca

Thanks to Castanet and the RCMP for the preceding.

A warning from the Publisher: If you allowed access – then your machine must be cleaned by a professional and all your codes must be changed. Always good to change codes. Use one like this:   6T;146angles – that way you have capitals, lowercase, numbers and the semi-colon. Very hard to think up – don’t use this one.