The Microsoft tech support telephone scam was brought to the attention of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) over a year ago. Since that time phone complaints have hit peaks and valleys. Currently, the BBB is experiencing a new peak in the number of calls regarding this scam.
Most callers to the BBB report receiving calls from individuals with very thick accents who tell them Microsoft has been notified that there are errors or viruses on their computers that need to be removed. Not only are consumers complaining about the scam calls, but also the volume of voicemails being left on their phones. Some report as many as five or six calls per day.
“This scam is international in scope,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau. “The Federal Trade Commission reports that scammers have tricked tens of thousands of computer users globally.”
With the exception of a few variations, the calls are the same. The scammer instructs the targeted victim to download a program that would allow remote access to their computer. Once access is gained, the scammer directs the computer owner to the systems event log. The event log shows common errors and warnings which are typical for most computers, but are enough to convince the owner there is a problem.
The scammer then offers to fix the problems for a fee which can range from approximately $200 - 400.
Who becomes a victim? According to Microsoft, “cybercriminals often use publically available telephone directories to find their victims.” With the information found there and often guessing the type of operating system the computer runs, the criminals are able to gain their victims trust.
Additionally, notes Horton “This scam targets everyone, but senior citizens often become victims more readily because they are home to answer the phone.”
