We are receiving calls from customers stating that they are receiving calls from people claiming to be from MICROSOFT WINDOWS. They claim the customer’s PC has notified them that there are problems and they want to fix it before your computer crashes. THIS IS A SCAM.
They call you on the telephone and claim to be from Microsoft, Microsoft tech Support, Microsoft Windows, (and any other variant). They will offer to help solve your computer problems or sell you a software license. Once they have access to your computer, they can do the following:
*Trick you into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords. They might also then charge you to remove this software.
*Convince you to visit legitimate websites (like www.ammyy.com) to download software that will allow them to take control of your computer remotely and adjust settings to leave your computer vulnerable.
*Request credit card information so they can bill you for phony services.
*Direct you to fraudulent websites and ask you to enter credit card and other personal or financial information there.
Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
These people often use publicly available phone directories, so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you’re using.
Once they’ve gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a legitimate website (such as www.ammyy.com) to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information are vulnerable.
Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information.
How to protect yourself from telephone tech support scams
If someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support calls you:
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Do not purchase any software or services.
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Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the “service.” If there is, hang up.
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Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
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Take the caller’s information down and immediately report it to your local authorities.
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Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.
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