FROM: HOLLEY
CARNRIGHT
DATE: AUGUST 19,
2015
RE: COMPUTER COLD CALL REPAIR SCAM RETURNS
A telemarketing scam
that aims to separate computer users from their financial information has
resurfaced, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of
Consumer Affairs.
The scam involves a
cold call from a person claiming to be from Dell, Microsoft or another large
computer company. The person then asks to remotely connect to the victim’s
computer, followed by the claim they can fix the problem if a credit card
number is provided.
Victims report
receiving unsolicited calls from what they believe are foreign call centers.
The scam typically involves a scammer cold-calling you and requesting remote
access to your computer. If you give the scammer access, they will claim to run
a scan, discover a fake virus and then apply high pressure sales tactics to
convince you to buy unnecessary anti-virus software or technical services to
“fix” your computer.
Consumer Affairs
advises the public to never provide credit card or any personal information to
an unknown, unverified caller. If you receive a phone out of the blue about
your computer’s security status and requesting remote access – hang up – even
if the caller mentions a well-known company or product. Consumer Affairs can be
reached at 340-3260.
