Consumers warned about computer repair scams
(Miranda O'Bryan) By WDTV News Staff Published: Oct. 12, 2022 at 11:38 AM CDT|Updated: 4 hours ago
CHARLESTON, W.Va (WDTV) - Consumers are being warned about a computer repair scam that officials say is currently active in West Virginia.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is asking consumers to be cautious if they receive a suspicious call.
“Consumers should be cautious if they receive a suspicious call, particularly if they haven’t done business with the company in question,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Look for warning signs such as a machine-generated voice, unusual word choices or improper grammar. Most importantly, never give money to a scammer or allow them to access your credit card or computer.” This scam involves an impostor who calls consumers and claims to be from a major technology or computer company. The scammer then demands payment for antivirus software the consumer supposedly bought. Morrisey says the caller will urge the consumer to make a payment via credit card, gift card or ask for their bank account information. The scammer may also seek to gain access to the consumer’s computer if payment is refused. For instance, they might claim they need to remove the supposedly-installed virus repair program since the consumer is refusing to pay them. Scammers may also use a tactic called “spoofing” to mask the phone number from which they are calling and make it appear that it comes from another source. Other versions of the scam involve technology company impostors demanding payment and access to the consumer’s computer to remove a virus that does not exist, Morrisey says. Consumers should also safeguard sensitive information such as computer passwords, network information and financial information. Creating strong passwords can be a good line of defense against potential hackers. Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808, or file a complaint online.
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10207 N Interstate 35, San Antonio, TX 78233
Phone: (210) 538-3669 Email: help@bvtech.org