New Microsoft Scam Affecting Local Residents
NEW SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) --- We have a warning for you about a scam that's going around.
It begins with a phone call.
Leigh Ann Young from New Sewickley Township, Beaver County, got one of the calls.
"It sounded like he was from India," said Young. "He said, 'Umm, hello, is this the owner of the computer at this residence?"
He claimed to be from Microsoft and told her that she had a dangerous virus on her computer that was sending out her personal information, including credit card numbers.
He went on to say, "I need to get into your computer and stop this!"
The Better Business Bureau warns against ever allowing someone who just calls up to have remote access to your computer. They say others have been getting the calls, and Microsoft has nothing to do with it.
"There really is no virus originally on your computer, but if you allow the person remote access, they're downloading a virus on to your computer," said Caitlin Vancas of the Better Business Bureau.
Vancas says the scam continues when the caller claims they can get rid of the virus for a fee, and they ask for your credit card number.
Vancas says they're really trying to get your personal information two different ways: by asking for your credit card number and by downloading a virus that can steal more personal information off your computer.
"Definitely consider it a red flag if the caller has very thick, heavy accent, but they may be claiming their name is standard, such as Tom or Andrew," said Vancas.
Microsoft has put out a warning about the scam on its website: Click here for the link
Microsoft makes it clear that it will not call you unsolicited to fix your computer.
Fortunately, Young didn't fall for it.
"I said, "This is a scam, good bye!' and hung up on him," said Young.
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