Good morning! It appears that residents (Prescott area so far) are receiving calls from a person claiming to be a computer tech specialist associated with Microsoft and claiming a problem has been identified on that individual's computer. This is a scam. Two local consumers (one is a victim of the scam) are willing to discuss with media.

Attached and below please find the BBB News Release "BBB Warns of Phone Scam Claiming to Fix Fake Computer Problem." Please feel free to share as you see appropriate. Thank you for your time and consideration.

BBB Warns of Phone Scam
Claiming to Fix Fake Computer Problem

(Prescott, AZ – February 1, 2012) The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Yavapai County Office is hearing from local consumers who have received phone calls from individuals claiming to be from “Live Tech Support” representing Microsoft® or a “Windows Service” Center. Consumers state that the callers claim “errors” or “warnings” have been discovered on their computers. The caller claims that, if not corrected, the computer will crash or be severely damaged. BBB warns consumers that this is a scam.

“The scammer offers to demonstrate the computer problems and fix those problems over the phone by instructing consumers to follow their commands on the computer,” said Mary Hawkes, BBB’s Yavapai County Office Director. “But in reality, the scammer may install malicious software when they gain remote access to the computer, leaving the computer vulnerable. Or they may request credit card information to bill for computer repair services.”

According to Microsoft’s Safety and Security Center website, “Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.”

BBB suggests the following tips for consumers to stay safe online:

• Protect your computer and your personal information from malware with a firewall and an anti-virus program; update those programs regularly.
• Update your operating system and web browser software regularly.
• Protect your passwords. Keep them in a secure place. Create passwords that have at least eight characters and use numbers, symbols and letters. Do not use the same password for each online account that you have.
• Back up important files.
• Be wary of unsolicited calls claiming a security problem or virus with your computer, even if they claim to represent a well-known company such as Microsoft.
• Know who you’re dealing with. Never give personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
• If you received this call and allowed remote access to your computer, your computer information may be compromised. Immediately run anti-malware and anti-virus programs. Contact a reputable computer repair technician to further examine your computer for issues.
• If you received this call and provided credit card or bank account information, contact your financial institution immediately.
  

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BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 9,400 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business ReviewsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.