Microsoft Scam Phone Calls

Hot off the press and hot on the heels of my email scam post earlier today. It seems that no sooner you utter the word scam, or write the word scam, a scam news alert appears. As if by magic. The ever vigilant John from Blacon has just sent me this. A new Cheshire Police alert regarding Microsoft scam phone calls. This is another that you really must read.

Microsoft Scam Phone Calls

Here’s the article that John has kindly sent me. Thanks John. Have a good read of it and you can guess the rest. Spread the word where you can. So, Microsoft scam phone calls, what are they all about?

“Detectives are urging people to stay vigilant following several reports of scam phone calls purporting to be from Microsoft. In Cheshire there have been several reports of residents receiving phone calls from fraudsters posing as workers from Microsoft.

The scammers claim to be computer security engineers and tell victims that their computers are at a security risk. They then say that a security check needs to be performed. And if the victim agrees, the scammers can then gain remote access to the computer.

This access allows fraudsters to obtain personal details about the victims including their bank account.

Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques, of the Economic Crime Unit, said:

“This is a particularly heinous crime whereby scammers target the most vulnerable in society.

“This scam has seen a resurgence over the years but as time goes on, fraudsters can use more sophisticated techniques in order to persuade victims to hand over money or gain access to their computers.

“These fraudsters are often extremely convincing and pose as working for a reputable company as it gives them more credibility.

“We are doing all we can to tackle all types of fraud. I would urge anyone who believes that they have been a victim of this scam to please report it to Cheshire Constabulary and Action Fraud.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane said: “Fraud not only leaves victims without their hard earned money, it also has a significant emotional impact.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to ensure that action is taken against scammers who are so heartlessly targeting the vulnerable in Cheshire. “I would urge residents to follow the key advice and please continue to educate and inform elderly family members about these scams.”

Microsoft Scam Phone Calls – Key Advice

Computer firms such as Microsoft do not make unsolicited phone calls to help fix your computer or fix a security risk.

Treat all unsolicited phone calls with scepticism and never give out any personal information.

Computer companies will not ask for credit card information to validate copies of software or ask for ID such as a driving licence or passport.

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Information can also be reported online to https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Message Sent By Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Administrator, Corporate Communications“

As the article says, these scammers can appear to be so convincing. Hopefully in all these scam alerts posts we are posting on Chester Lifestyle you are developing a nose for these scams.

Microsoft Scam Phone Calls – If In Doubt

These scammers can seem to be convincing but ask yourselves this. Why would Microsoft call you about a security risk? Have they ever rung you before about anything else? Probably not. In fact, no they haven’t. Microsoft may for instance upgrade their systems. Say from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

If Microsoft are aware that you haven’t upgraded from 7 to 10, have they rung you about it? No they haven’t. If, on the other hand, someone rang you purporting to be from Microsoft saying that you needed to upgrade from 7 to 10 then that would be too much of a gamble for the scammers. You may already be on Windows 10.

How many wasted phone calls would they make approaching a computer owner with an apparent systems upgrade.

Imagine the call. Scammer rings purporting to be from Microsoft. They say that you are on Windows 7 but that you need to be on Windows 10. You say, you are already on 10 so why are you ringing me? Or, at this stage, the red flag has been raised. You recognise it’s a scam phone call. Such a speculative phone call from the scammers is not viable. It’s too targeted and too easy to be shot down in flames.

The point is, if Microsoft are not calling you about their own specific products, why would they ring you about something as far reaching as a possible security risk? It doesn’t make sense.

Anyway, as ever, remain cautious. Have those doubts. Stay safe everyone.

Chester Crimewatch

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