2023-08-25 04:00:00
“We’re seeing a huge upsurge in Microsoft Tech Support scams“, it is with these words that Aurélie challenges us via the orange Alert us button. She works in a computer store and notices that this well-known scam continues to claim victims. “The customer receives an alert on his computer screen saying that he is infected“, she explains.”A fake Microsoft support number then appears and the person is asked to call to supposedly be repaired.“
“They take the opportunity to empty the accounts”
What follows is a whole gear that gets started. Fake technicians have software installed to take control of the computer remotely. Hackers simulate troubleshooting and demand payment. Sometimes only for the installation of anti-virus software at an excessive price of up to 500 euros. “They usually ask the victim to go to their bank account and provide a signature in order to pay the bill.“, indicates Aurélie. “They actually take advantage of it to empty the accounts.“
Aurélie wants to warn Internet users regarding this scam which can be triggered via a harmless gesture. “One of our clients had just clicked on a fake Delhaize ad on Facebook“, recalls the computer scientist. “I absolutely want to warn people of this danger.“
Scams that come back in waves
Michele Rignanese, spokesperson for the Center for Cybersecurity Belgium, confirms the return of this scam called “techscam” (or technological scam). “In fact, they come back in waves“, he said. “Here, it’s a variant of a past scam but the purpose is the same. When scammers seize victims’ machines, it’s to take all personal data, not just to empty bank accounts. The limit is the creativity of the criminals.“
In this kind of scam, we play on the fear of the victim. It can be particularly anxiety-provoking to see your computer completely blocked. “Without consciousness, the victim can easily be fooled“, continues the spokesperson. “The impression that everything is blocked is unpleasant but generally when you are asked to react quickly, it is a sign of scam.“
“Never give out any personal data”
Usually, restarting the computer solves the problem. If this is not the case, you must contact a technician at home. But, in any case, do not call the number that appears on the screen. “And never give out any personal data“, warns Michele Rignanese. “Because once the computer is under the control of crooks and the money is taken from your account, it is almost impossible to recover it. Remedies are difficult and banks will probably not act if you yourself have given access to criminals.“
Who are these scammers?
Scammers are divided into two categories: criminal groups and isolated actors. “Criminal groups are often highly organized and efficient“, says the spokesperson. “Actions are sometimes taken by Interpol or the FBI, but they usually have to make a mistake to catch them. Lone actors may be easier to engage. In any case, we ask that their suspicious sites be blocked when they are reported to us.“
What to do if you are confronted with this scam?
The safeonweb.be site gives advice on how to avoid falling into the traps set by scammers:
Do not click on the link in a suspicious message and do not open attachments. You can forward fraudulent emails to [email protected]. You can also send suspicious sms. To do this, you just need to take a screenshot and send it to [email protected]. The content of your report will be then processed automatically.
What to do if you clicked on a suspicious link?
Leave the fields blank and cancel any interaction. NEVER give personal codes. If you provided a password that you use elsewhere, change it immediately. If you clicked on a link that opens a website where you need to submit your bank details, first check that this is your bank’s website. If you have any doubts, do not make the payment online scam microsoft scam
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