Computer users warned of online scams

(Courtesy of Pat Lawrence)

     
Even when they work just they way they're supposed to, computers can be a challenge to unschooled users, but unscrupulous scammers can turn a computer into a big check for themselves and an empty bank account for an unwary user.

Sue Early of Paint Creek Computers has seen a spike in local scamming activity recently that is causing headaches for Highland County residents.

According to Sue, there are at least two approaches being taken in this area.

“A person gets a phone call from someone who says they are Microsoft Windows technicians and that the person's computers are going to crash any minute. They are instructed to log on to a place where a technician can take control of their computer and see what is happening.

"One lady from Greenfield did just that. Then, she was also encouraged to buy a $320 firewall to protect herself. In a second method, a person gets a phone call and is told that their computer is sending viruses to Microsoft.

"They're told to type a certain website into their run box. I did a search on this and found it is a scam as well. The site will again let you give control to someone else. I've gotten calls about both methods, 'your computer is crashing' and 'your computer is sending viruses to Microsoft' being active lately in our area.”

Elderly computer users may be more susceptible to this type of scam and may actually being targeted.

“They should be informed that scammers are actively operating in this area and not to give out their passwords or entry information to any stranger, even if they don't have a foreign accent. These are old scams that have been circulating for years, but it seems to have hit the Greenfield/Hillsboro area just lately.”

She says the consequences of this scamming activity can include the installation of spyware or other malicious viruses in the owner's computer. Removal can be tedious and time consuming.

“It's like opening up the backdoor to your computer, and, often, to all of your friend's and family's computers, too. The scammer can get access to all the passwords, all the email addresses, everything.

"The important thing to do if any stranger calls and insists that you get online, hang up. Reputable companies do not make these kinds of calls. It's definitely a time to be safe, not sorry.”