Watch out for PC scammers
There’s a notification that your computer is sending an error message or is infected with a virus. Maybe you (rightly) shrug it off as just another scam. But maybe you panic, call the number on the screen and listen to someone posing as a Microsoft technician offer to fix the problem if you allowhim or her to gain remote access to your computer. You give the go-ahead.
Once in, the scammers will install spy software that lets them return through a back door orwatch your activity down to the keystroke. Then they’ll claim they have fixed the original problem and ask for payment.
Each year, about 3.3 million people are victimized by unsolicited technical support scams, and the fraudsters rake in $1.5 billion.
If it happens to you, you need to make sure the scammer doesn’t set up camp permanently. Disconnect the affected machine fromthe internet immediately to keep the crook from accessing your computer while you batten down the hatches. Use another PC, tablet or smartphone to change your passwords, starting with financial sites and e-mail accounts. If you paid for the bogus service with a credit card, ask your card issuer to dispute the charges and be sure to monitor your statements.
To boot the intruder off your computer, you’ll need to identify any sneaky programs left behind. Start by running a full anti-virus and anti-malware scan and removing anything it flags as a problem. Visit yourWeb browser’s settings page to remove any unfamiliar extensions or add-ons, or restore the browser to its original settings. Before reconnecting to the internet, check your downloads folder and delete or uninstall anything that looks suspicious.
As an alternative, you could call on one of several services to clean up your machine, such as Best Buy’s Geek Squad or the technicians at Staples. If you choose an independent repair service, check the company’s recordwith the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). If you allowthe technician to access your computer remotely, watch the screen as heworks. You should see a windownotifying you that the session has ended. Ask that the temporary software used to control your computer be removed.
Toward off attacks in the future, use an anti-virus and anti-malware program, and keep it up to date. Regularly back up your files to an external hard drive (disconnect it when you’re done) aswell as to the Cloud so your datawon’t be lost for good if your hard drive needs to be reformatted. And even if you’re not a victim, report any unsolicited offers of technical support to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).