New twist on computer error message/virus scams: joint warning

March
2011: SCAMwatch, Microsoft and the Australian Communications and Media
Authority (ACMA) are warning Australians to continue to be wary of scam
calls claiming that your computer is infected with a virus or is sending
out error messages.

In July 2010, SCAMwatch issued an alert regarding about these scams which continue to plague consumers.

Scammers, in a new twist, are making follow-up calls to people who
initially fell victim to the scam. In these calls the scammer falsely
claim to be from a foreign government, foreign law enforcement body, or
from your bank, and offers to recover the money which you initially lost
to the scam, in return for a fee. Beware – the scammer will not give you your money back and will only ask you for more money.

SCAMwatch has received numerous reports from consumers that the
initial computer virus/error message scam telephone calls are
continuing. Victims have reported receiving unsolicited calls from what
they believe are foreign call centres. This scam typically involves a
scammer cold-calling you and requesting remote access to your computer.
If you give the scammer access, they will claim to run a scan, discover a
fake virus and then apply high pressure sales tactics to convince you
to buy unnecessary anti-virus software or technical services to ‘fix’
your computer.

Scam callers will tell you that you have a PC and then change their
story if you advise them that you actually have a Mac. Scammers will
even tell you that you have a computer when you don’t own one at all!

If you fall victim to this scam, as well as losing your money and
getting a service which provides no benefit, your personal and banking
details will be at risk. You may also expose yourself to a follow up
scam like the one described above.

If you receive a call like this, just hang up.

Warning signs

• You receive a scam call out of the blue claiming there is a problem with your computer.
• The caller claims to be from a large computer company/brand, bank,
  financial institution, or legitimate technical service provider. 
• They will request remote access to your computer and if you say yes will run a ‘scan’ that shows up a fake virus.
• The scammer will pressure you into buying unnecessary software or a service to ‘fix’ the computer.
• The scammer may be very persistent and use abusive or inappropriate language.
• The scammers may sound professional and knowledgeable.
• If you fall victim to the scam you may receive a follow up call
  falsely claiming to be from an overseas government or law enforcement
  body pretending they can recover the money you initially lost to the
  scam – Beware this is another scam!

Protect yourself

• If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer system’s security status and requesting remote access - hang up – even if they mention a well-known company or product.
• NEVER give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
• If you have given remote access to your computer, or you fear that
  your computer has been hacked, seek out help or advice from a qualified
  and reputable computer technician.
• Do not give out your personal, credit card or online account details
  over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a
  trusted source.
• Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated
  anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall - but research
  first and only purchase the software from a source that you know and
  trust.
• If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of
  unsolicited emails and phone calls consider changing your email address
  and phone numbers.
• If you are considering providing your details to a company, read
  their privacy policy/terms and conditions first.  If you do not agree
  with how they will use your details, do not provide them.
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Report

You can report a scam to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.