#Middlebury
By JUSTIN GOLDEN
There has been an increase in the number and frequency of scams from people contacting you, either by telephone or by inserting phony error messages on web sites you have visited. They say they are from Microsoft (or any other popular technology company) or Windows (the popular computer operating system) Help Desk and they have been receiving error messages from your computer. The caller may have spoofed a caller I.D. telephone number that displays the correct number of the Help Desk from that company.
The caller says they are going to assist you in resolving the situation. In one instance, they are going to want you to grant them access to your computer so that they can address or “fix” the problem. But, in reality, they may install malware (malicious software) so they can control your computer remotely. They will ask for a payment of services or a fee for the support they just provided you or it might turn into a case of ransomware. This is where they control access to your computer and all its data until you pay them off, hence the term ransomware.
In another version of this scam you will be sent an alert that appears legitimate saying there is a problem with a file on your computer and that you should contact a toll-free number to get assistance. There really is nothing wrong with your computer, but they will then try to sell you services and install unnecessary software to fix the non-existent “problem.” This scam is caused when you install programs that don’t advise you that other software will be installed when those programs are. You should be very careful when installing anything off the Internet.
I recently was informed about another variation of this scheme. You receive a telephone call from a toll-free number. A synthetic voice mail advises you that you overpaid for computer software services from Microsoft or another technology company and that it is now out of business, which is false. But you need to contact them now so that they can issue you a credit for the services you paid for.
First of all, the only technology company, if any, that would be contacting you is the one you purchased the computer from and any additional software you installed on it. Whatever operating system was installed on it was done by them, not the third party e.g., Microsoft. Microsoft doesn’t maintain a file on you. They wouldn’t be sending you unsolicited emails or calling you, especially to fix your computer and requiring personal information or payment information like a credit card. Any communication would be initiated by you. Error messages or warnings don’t include a telephone number.
Ask yourself, would someone from a technology company ask you to pay for support in the form of bitcoins (a crypto currency which is not traceable) or gift certificate cards?
Reduce your risks while online. Contact Golden Technology Services Inc. at 972-679-9738 or info@gtscloud.com
