Resident Almost Taken By Microsoft Virus Scam

(ST.MARYS, ON) On Thursday March 15, 2012 Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer in St.Marys received a call from a resident advising that she had been the target of a “Microsoft” scam.

Investigation revealed that the elderly resident had received a call from male who spoke with an accent and said he was calling from Microsoft. The resident was told that an upgrade was needed on her computer because it has a virus. The cost for this upgrade was $150 and the new software could be installed remotely. The resident did provide the caller with her VISA number and the male attempted to process it. The male advised the resident that the card had been declined. The male then contacted VISA via a three way phone conversation hoping that the resident could give verbal approval for the transaction to VISA. The VISA representative advised the resident that it was a scam and refused to process the transaction. VISA cancelled the resident’s credit card and ensured that a new one be issued immediately. The resident did not lose any money but it goes to show how tenacious these fraudsters are when it comes to bilking honest citizens out of their hard earned money. The investigation in this fraudster and his whereabouts are ongoing.

In 2011 the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported that 79% of Canadians who were contacted by these fraudsters actually fell for the scam. The Perth County OPP is urging citizens to be vigilant when giving out personal information. Identity theft is on the rise and a fraudster can obtain credit cards in your name and run up thousands of dollars in bills.

Don’t let this happen to you – FRAUD, Recognize it, Report it, Stop it.
For more information visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre Website at www.antifraudcentre.ca

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