Attempted Computer Scam

(BLUEWATER, ON) On Saturday, November 26, 2011 a resident in Bluewater, ON received a call from a scammer purporting to be an employee with Microsoft. The scammer stated he was going to clean up her computer and fix her error messages. The scammer was able to remotely gain control of the computer after he directed her through a series of commands. The scammer then locked the computer and requested the owner pay $160 to have a program called “Bit Defender” installed on the computer. At this point she became suspicious of the caller and immediately shut her computer down.

This is a common and widespread scam. In this scam, cyber criminals will attempt to gain your trust, they will damage your computer with malicious software including viruses and spyware. The goal is to have you send them personal information for identity theft or simply to send them money.

Computer companies like Microsoft and Apple do not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal information or to fix your computer. If you receive a suspicious call, the best advice is to HANG UP the phone. If you do provide banking or personal information immediately contact your bank and report the matter to Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or Huron OPP. LP11335624

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