A customer of mine came in today who had fallen victim to another version of the tech scams that are constantly evolving and getting more and more cunning. While surfing the net, he got a pop up on his computer telling him he had malware on his computer and that he should call the number listed so they could remove it for him.
The customer called the number and the scammer convinced him to allow the criminal remote access to his computer. The criminal then showed the customer numerous bogus screen shots of “proof” that his PC had deadly malware installed.
The criminal did a bogus malware removal, told the customer the price was $249.00 for one year and then convinced the customer to put a copy of one of his personal checks and his driver’s license into the scanner at his home. The criminal then scanned the check and license into the PC and sent a copy of it to himself.
So the criminals now have the customer’s name, address, and phone number, his bank account number and routing number both located on the bottom of the check, and his driver’s license number.
The scammers are now free to buy things online using the victim’s checking account number, open new accounts, and generally empty the customer’s bank account if they choose.
The customer spent several hours on the phone with his bank trying to get the money back and changing his account number so they can’t buy more things online.
He also spent several more hours contacting the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian putting a freeze on his credit account so no one could open up new accounts in his name.
As always, never call phone numbers that pop up while you’re surfing online and never talk to people who call you on the phone and tell you they’re with Microsoft, or any other company, and allow them remote access to your computer. Never give anyone personal information online.
And lastly, Computer Fixx is always available for all of your computer repair in Wilmington NC needs.