LCSO: Scam costs resident $37K
It started with a phone call. The man on the other end of the line said he was with the “anti-fraud department” and was calling because a virus had been detected on the victim’s computer.
Unaware that she was about to be part of a tech support scheme, the 77 year-old woman who really was having technical trouble, was persuaded to hand over remote access to her computer.
For nearly two months, the scammer called the victim every day requesting money to be sent via Moneygram to India, China and Bangledesh to cover the cost of repairs. Although wire transfered several thousand dollars, the majority of her money disappeared after he was able to access her bank account online and empty it out.
Unfortunately, she did not realize her money was gone until it was too late and losses totaled $37,000.
Although similar scams started several years ago, many consumers are still unaware of the tactics used by swindlers that are designed to scare computer users into believing they can help them.
If you get a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, hang up and call the company yourself on a phone number you know to be genuine.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office offered the following tips:
– A caller who creates a sense of urgency or high pressure tactics is probably a scam artist; visit: www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/ftc-combats-tech-support-scams for an actual recording of one call
– Never give control of your computer to a third party you do not know
– Do not rely on caller ID to authenticate a caller as numbers can be spoofed
– Avoid online searches to find technical support; ff you want tech support, look for a company’s contact information on their software package or on your receipt
– Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calls and claims to be from tech support
If you would like to report a fraud or scam, contact the LCSO?fraud line at (239) 258-2382.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
LCSO: Scam costs resident $37K
It started with a phone call. The man on the other end of the line said he was with the “anti-fraud department” and was calling because a virus had been detected on the victim’s computer.
Unaware that she was about to be part of a tech support scheme, the 77 year-old woman who really was having technical trouble, was persuaded to hand over remote access to her computer.
For nearly two months, the scammer called the victim every day requesting money to be sent via Moneygram to India, China and Bangledesh to cover the cost of repairs. Although wire transfered several thousand dollars, the majority of her money disappeared after he was able to access her bank account online and empty it out.
Unfortunately, she did not realize her money was gone until it was too late and losses totaled $37,000.
Although similar scams started several years ago, many consumers are still unaware of the tactics used by swindlers that are designed to scare computer users into believing they can help them.
If you get a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, hang up and call the company yourself on a phone number you know to be genuine.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office offered the following tips:
– A caller who creates a sense of urgency or high pressure tactics is probably a scam artist; visit: www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/ftc-combats-tech-support-scams for an actual recording of one call
– Never give control of your computer to a third party you do not know
– Do not rely on caller ID to authenticate a caller as numbers can be spoofed
– Avoid online searches to find technical support; ff you want tech support, look for a company’s contact information on their software package or on your receipt
– Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calls and claims to be from tech support
If you would like to report a fraud or scam, contact the LCSO?fraud line at (239) 258-2382.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Business
Free LeeTran bus rides Monday
Bridge closure causing long traffic delays
