Microsoft is making an effort to educate people on how to avoid falling victim to the ‘Microsoft internet phone scam.’
Before the internet, it was much harder to gain someone’s personal information. Now, all of this information is available online and it is easier than ever for criminals to steal identities, hack accounts, infect devices by installing malware, or trick people into giving personal information. In addition to cyber criminals setting up fake websites and sending fraudulent emails, they are now making unsolicited phone calls to people, and claiming that they work for Microsoft. Once they have access to your computer, they can do the following:
- Trick you into installing malicious software that can capture sensitive data, like banking usernames and passwords.
- Convince you to visit legitimate websites to download software that enables them to control your computer remotely and adjust settings, leaving your computer weak.
- Request credit card information so they can charge you for their phony services
- Direct you to fraudulent websites where they ask you to enter credit card, or other personal financial information.
There are times when Microsoft will work with your Internet service provider and call you to fix a malware-infected computer. However, be aware that neither Microsoft, nor its partners, make unsolicited phone calls to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
For more information on how to protect yourself from tech support phone scams, visit Microsoft’s Safety & Security Center page.
Teltek is a Certified Avaya Business Partner, NEC Dealer, Zultys, and Microsoft Partner with two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. We specialize in providing one call technology support for small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania.