Imagine your mother receives a call from a fast-talking “computer technician” and before she knows it, the technician has convinced her that her computer is infected with a virus and for $600, they will “fix” it. This scam happens more often than you might think!
Tech support scams are not a new phenomenon. Scammers have been peddling useless security software for years, tricking people into spending millions of dollars on non-existent computer problems. However, today’s scam artists have added a new twist — using a so-called “technician” to gain access to a person’s computer. These scammers claim to find non-existent computer viruses and infections then con people out of their hard-earned money for bogus tech support; in addition to stealing personal and financial information or even installing new malicious software. Since May 2014, Microsoft has received over 65,000 customer complaints regarding fraudulent tech support scams.
Going after the scammers
In its first big strike against technical support scamming companies, today Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit will file a civil lawsuit in federal court in the Central District of California against Omnitech Support and related entities for unfair and deceptive business practices and trademark infringement.
Omnitech Support, a division of Customer Focus Services, is charged with misusing Microsoft’s name, registered trademarks and service marks in connection with the provision of phony tech support services. Omnitech utilized the Microsoft trademarks and service marks to enhance their credentials and confuse customers about their affiliation with Microsoft. Omnitech then used their enhanced credibility to convince consumers that their personal computers are infected with malware in order to sell them unnecessary security services to clean their computers.
In some instances, Omnitech has actually created security issues for victims by gaining access to their computers and installing malicious software, including a password grabber that could provide access to personal and financial information.
Important info if you get a call and who to contact! :D
If you or someone you know has been a victim of technical support scam, please contact:
- Report a Microsoft Technical Support Scam – support.microsoft.com/reportascam
- Federal Trade Commission – ftccomplaintassistant.gov
- State’s Attorneys General – naag.org/current-attorneys-general
- Better Business Bureau – bbb.org
Full Article with a Video
Daniel 😉
