Scammers target Logan computer owners – Albert and Logan News
LOGAN residents beware - a phone scam targeting computer owners is circulating in the city.
The scam involves a fake Microsoft computer company calling the victim and telling them their computer is infected, before selling them a $250 solution to the virus.
Woodridge couple Adrian and Joy Everett are among those who have been contacted by the scammers, but fortunately the couple were hesitant to purchase the anti-virus software.
``They tell you your computer if infected, but they can’t tell you how,’’ Mr Everett said.
``They keep persevering… emphasising the danger of it and that the computer could stop working.’‘
After being directed to a website which ran a fake virus search, Mr Everett was told his computer was infected but the problem could be fixed by purchasing a $250 anti-virus software.
Suspicious, the Everetts called Microsoft and were informed of the scam, which has been reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Scamwatch.
Victims of the scam have reported that the caller sounds foreign, will ring several days in a row and can be intimidating, accusing the victim of being rude when they question the caller.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority chairman Chris Chapman said the group has been investigating businesses that offer online virus removal and technical support after receiving many complaints about the scam.
``In the first three months of 2011, nearly half of all complaints about telemarketing calls made to numbers on the Do Not Call Register have been about these types of calls,’’ he said.
``‘The ACMA understands that while some businesses offer a legitimate virus prevention or removal service, many are falsely claiming to be related to reputable companies, such as Microsoft.’‘
The ACC reports that in 2010, computer scams including the ``virus’’ scam were the third most reported scam in Australia.
4983 people reported the scams, with 441 of them falling victim. Victims lost $225,483 to the scammers.
Microsoft has issued a warning to customers about the scam and stated the company would never cold call a customer.
The ACC advises residents to hang up immediately if they suspect they are being tricked, and contact police or the ACC. Phone 1300795995 or visit www.scamwatch.gov.au
Top tips to spot a computer scams:- the caller insists you provide personal information
- the caller requests remote access to your computer
- they request you visit a website the is not from the large company they claim to be from
- although they sound professional or knowledgeable, they sometimes use abusive language
- the caller tries to deter you from discussing the offer or issue with anyone else.
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