Beware of computer scammers

GONZALES — A new breed of scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.

These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer — it’s to make money.

Scammers have been peddling bogus security software for years. They set up fake websites, offer free “security” scans, and send alarming messages to try to convince you that your computer is infected. Then, they try to sell you software to fix the problem. At best, the software is worthless or available elsewhere for free. At worst, it could be malware — software designed to give criminals access to your computer and your personal information.

The latest version of the scam begins with a phone call. Scammers can get your name and other basic information from public directories. They might even guess what computer software you’re using.

Once they have you on the phone, they often try to gain your trust by pretending to be associated with well-known companies or confusing you with a barrage of technical terms. They may ask you to go to your computer and perform a series of complex tasks. Sometimes, they target legitimate computer files and claim that they are viruses. Their tactics are designed to scare you into believing they can help fix your “problem.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides information on how these scammers go about their business, saying that once they’ve gained your trust, they may ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then make changes to your settings that could leave your computer vulnerable.

They may try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program, or

ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services — or services you could get elsewhere for free.

The FTC also says they may try trick you into installing malware that could steal sensitive data, like usernames and passwords — or even direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information.

Regardless of the tactics they use, they have one purpose: to make money. 

Billy Irle, an employee at Greg’s Computers, said that in the past couple weeks they have had a number of people report that they have been the victims or near-victims of either a phone call scam or by reacting to a pop-up directing them to call the scammer.  He says he has personally received two such phone calls while at the shop.

During the first call that Irle received, the caller, in heavy Indian accent, indicated that he was from Microsoft, that he needed to fix Irle’s machine, and then tried to coax him into immediately going to his PC and giving him remote access. 

“When I tried to ask him exactly who he was, what company he was working for, why he needed access, and indicated that he had called a business number, he got very nervous and hung up with a quick ‘Sorry, wrong number,’” Irle said.

Irle said the second call came in about a week later from 860-540-6999 out of Bristol, CT. He said the caller, again in heavy Indian accent, indicated that he was from Windows Security, that Irle’s machine was infected and spitting out viruses, and wanted him to go to his PC and give him access in order to “fix it.”

“I stated that I seriously doubted his claim, and tried to ask him what company he was working for,” Irle said. “To which he sputtered a bit, then sheepishly hung up with ‘I… think I have the wrong number.’”

If you get a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, hang up and call the company yourself on a phone number you know to be genuine. A caller who creates a sense of urgency or uses high-pressure tactics is probably a scam artist.

The FTC also recommends the following tips:

●Don’t give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue.

●Do not rely on caller ID alone to authenticate a caller. Criminals spoof caller ID numbers. They may appear to be calling from a legitimate company or a local number, when they’re not even in the same country as you.

●Online search results might not be the best way to find technical support or get a company’s contact information. Scammers sometimes place online ads to convince you to call them. They pay to boost their ranking in search results so their websites and phone numbers appear above those of legitimate companies. If you want tech support, look for a company’s contact information on their software package or on your receipt.

●Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calls and claims to be from tech support.

●If a caller pressures you to buy a computer security product or says there is a subscription fee associated with the call, hang up. If you’re concerned about your computer, call your security software company directly and ask for help.

●Never give your password on the phone. No legitimate organization calls you and asks for your password.

●Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and then report illegal sales calls.

Capt. Allen Taylor with the Gonzales Police Department said GPD is aware of these scams and advises Gonzales citizens to use caution when taking calls from scammers.

“Do not — under any circumstances — give these people any of your personal information,” he said. “If you suspect the caller is one of these scammers, hang up on them immediately.”