Antivirus Scam

A client called me not long ago, complaining about a call they received from a company purporting to be affiliated with Microsoft. They advised my client that her computer was at infected, hackers had taken it over, everything was compromised and in order to correct it she had to agree to allow them to control her computer and install (and pay for) some security software. Unfortunately she trusted what they said and allowed them to control her computer, prompting her on the phone to hand over the keys to her system (via logmein).

Once they had control, they installed their so-called security software, windows were opening and closing before my client's eyes, things were downloading, installing, and all the while the smooth-talking operators were assuring her that they've saved her from Internet disaster.

She agreed to their demands for payment, at first giving a credit card number. The scammers then informed her the charge didn't go through and could she send the amount due via Western Union. Luckily she started to get suspicious, and hung up the phone. She quickly called and cancelled her credit cards, then called me to check out her computer. They continued to call her for the next day or so, but after threatening to report them to the police they finally left her alone.

Unfortunately she also gave them a considerable amount of personal information. The possibility exists that they are also in the identity theft business or may have sold her information to those even less scrupulous. It just goes to show you that you can never be too careful, beware of cold calls such as these, and most importantly check with your friendly neighbourhood IT Consultant before making changes to your system!