Tuesday, June 14, 2011

COLD CALL TECH SUPPORT SCAMS

(East Algoma OPP) – The East Algoma OPP has received information regarding a possible tech support scam.

During the last couple of weeks, two complaints were received involving a person receiving phone calls from scammers, who impersonate tech support specialists. The caller states they have received error messages from the victim’s computer and are requesting permission to access the computer remotely.

Through investigation it was learned that the scams generally start with the caller posing as a technical support engineer certified by a well known company life Microsoft or Cisco. Typically they claim that the phone call is in response to reports sent out automatically by the user’s computer, which is infected. The caller then offers to install what they claim are better antivirus programs. Once remote access of the computer is gained they will either download Malware or a Key Logging program which allows them to gain access to passwords, usernames and banking information.

If you receive such a call, please do not give out any personal information and terminate the call. If you are concerned with the possibility that your computer may have been infected, please contact your service provider. Also you can contact the Canadian anti Fraud Centre in North Bay at 1-888-495-8501.