How to identify and avoid phishing email scams
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| Alert: |
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Telephone virus removal scam |
| Threat Level: |
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Medium |
| Threat Type: |
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Social engineeering |
| Why this is important to you: |
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Monetary loss, possible privacy intrusion threat |
| Action: |
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Do not accept computer help from anyone calling claiming to be a Microsoft technician who will remove viruses from your PC for a small fee |
We have identified a bold new scam involving a phonecall from an individual purporting to be a Microsoft Technician. Scenario:
- You receive a phone call from technician claiming to be from Microsoft concerned about viruses on your computer.
- You are asked to open the Start Menu, click on Run, and type “Eventviewer”. A window appears that seems to indicate that you have many viruses on your PC (these are actually normal Windows system events).
- Once convinced, the caller offers to remove the viruses for a fee. Your credit card details requested, or the option of paying via PayPal is offered as an alternative.
- The caller then remotely accesses your PC and pretends to remove the non-existant viruses.
The Reality
Microsoft Support does not contact customers proactively. Do not follow any instructions given by unknown technical support person who calls you. If you recieve a phonecall of this nature, please request the individual's name, phone number, and email address and call us at 1-800-563-9233 to report the incident.
So far, we have received complaints regarding a fake company that calls itself 'Callmicrotechnician'. The calls appear to originate from overseas.
Sadly, it is usually non technical and elderly persons that fall victim to these kinds of social engineering attacks. Please educate people around you about the scam.
For more information: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/18/phone-scam-india-call-centres
Safe computing,
Bill Keating | Vice-President, Technology & Operations
No Panic Computing Inc. | www.nopaniccomputing.com
905 305 6502 | bkeating@npcmail.net
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