Microsoft is warning users of its popular Windows operating systems to be on the lookout for increasingly sophisticated scams that could prove to be costly. The Redmond firm says it continues to be aware of a growing number of attacks that attempt to trick users into transmitting personal data and credit card details via fake tech support alerts. These scams are not new, but Microsoft is warning its customers about the latest techniques adopted by cybercriminals in an attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting PC owners.
In the past, crooks would simply cold-call consumers in the hopes that they would be duped, but as more and more people became familiar with this tactic, they had to try something much more advanced.
The latest trick adopted by the crooks is using a pop-up window that suddenly appears on the computer screens. The terrifying message suggests that the PC has been compromised with a listed tech support number that directs users to a fake call center.
Once called, the user will be prompted to pay for the help they don’t actually need.
To learn more, Mary Jo Schrade – Deputy General Counsel, Regional Manager, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit Asia, said: “Tech support fraud has grown from a cold call to a more sophisticated infrastructure that leverages IT specialists. affiliate marketers to provide professional-looking pop-ups to consumers, tricking them into contacting scam call centers.
“We are also seeing crooks using email, search engine optimization (SEO) and social engineering tactics to lure victims. These tactics served to extend an easily replicable business model, with authors sharing resources, including referrals to call centers, leads, and payments. processors. “
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Microsoft says it has received approximately 6,500 complaints from people who have been the victims of tech support scams. That may sound like a lot, but it’s actually down from the 13,000 reports an average month in previous years.
The company’s research suggests that three in five consumers have faced a tech support scam in the past 12 months.
Unfortunately, about one in six consumers contacted by criminals are tricked into pursuing the scam, often costing victims hundreds of dollars to scammers.
Microsoft has now released vital information on how to beat scams and it is essential that all users take note.
HERE’S HOW TO AVOID BEING TARGETED BY SCAMS
• Microsoft does not send unsolicited email or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical assistance to repair your computer. All communication with Microsoft must be initiated by you.
• If a pop-up window or error message appears with a phone number, do not call the number. Microsoft error and warning messages never include a phone number.
• Download software only from official Microsoft partner websites or the Microsoft Store. Beware of downloading software from third party sites as some of them might have been modified without the author’s knowledge to bundle malware and other threats.
• Microsoft technical support will never ask you to pay for support in the form of cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, or gift cards.
