Police warn of virus scam – Mississauga
Peel Regional Police are warning people about a scam in which fraud artists gain access to personal financial information by pretending to be Microsoft technicians.
Police say the culprits call residents, identify themselves as Microsoft workers and tell the victims that their computers are infected with a virus. They offer to remotely access the victim's computer and remove the virus, for a fee.
If the unsuspecting victim agrees, they're directed to a website, which gives the scam artists access to the home computer. At this point, a virus or other form of malware (software intended to damage or disable computers) is installed on the computer.
The victim is then told that their computer has been fixed and they're sent to another website to pay for the service.
Police say the culprits can potentially use the payment information to gain access to the victim's debit and credit cards.
Microsoft Canada says it doesn't call customers offering virus removal for a fee.
Police urge people who've been victimized to call them at 905-453-2121, ext. 3335, and to also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre.ca).
Police suggest computer owners perform a virus and malware scan on a regular basis, update protection programs and contact Equifax and TransUnion annually to make sure there are no unauthorized entries on their credit history.
cclay@mississauga.net
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