I have a couple of scams to inform you of today that could cost you time, effort and lots of money. One is computer related, the other financial.
Many people have reported getting calls from someone saying something similar to, "Hello this is Ron (fill in any name) from Windows, we see that your computer is reporting errors and we need to help you."
First red flag on this is that no one from "Windows" would contact you since there is no company named Windows. Secondly, you would most likely think it was Microsoft; however, they would never call you out of the blue with a problem. Unless it is due to some very unusual circumstances, Microsoft does not even have your phone number.
If you continue with the call, as apparently many people have, they will help you. The problem is that their "help" is quite harmful. I have read of some people being directed by the caller to install software on their computer in order to give them access to run a special update. Never, ever let some stranger talk you into installing anything on your computer…on any occasion!
That will give them access to your computer after they supposedly help you. Then you will have problems with your computer and a different foreign voice will contact you in the future saying for $$$ they can fix this issue.
The other issue being reported is they have installed a key logger program on your computer. A key logger has the ability to record every keystroke you make and send it to someone else-without you knowing a thing. This can include all of your user names and passwords. You know what happens to your bank accounts after they get that info.
Bottom-line is if you get a call from someone representing themselves as a person wanting to fix your computer, hang-up. Then if you wish you can report them to "The Internet Crime Complaint Center" (IC3) at "ic3.gov/complaint." The IC3 is co-sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).
Next, you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. They inform you that you owe taxes and if you do not pay immediately you will be criminally prosecuted. Usually they require the payment to be made through a prepaid debit card.
You may laugh and think, "What knucklehead would do that since the IRS never cold calls anyone about anything." But since October, 2013 more than 3,000 people fell for this scam and made the crooks $15.5 million. The top five states taken so far, per Timothy Camus, deputy inspector general for investigations at the agency that oversees the IRS are: California ($3.84 million), New York ($1.35 million), Texas ($795,884), Florida ($760,000) and Virginia ($648,363).
If the IRS calls you, hang up.
