State warns about tech support scam artists

The state attorney general is warning consumers against phone scammers posing as computer technicians.

Although the scam is not new, the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office has received numerous complaints in recent months from consumers who have received these calls.

The fraudulent callers cold call people and tell them that they’ve detected a problem on their computer. They will ask the person to perform a series of tasks that cause them to unknowingly give the cybercriminals remote access to their computer and the personal data stored on it. Sometimes, they’ll install malware on the computer that could steal personal information.

The callers asked for payment over the phone or through a money order to fix the problem they claim to have identified. They might otherwise direct you to fake websites to collect financial information.

“As with all scams, prevention is the best protection for consumers,” said state Attorney General Bob Ferguson. “Don’t ever give any caller access to your computer, no matter who they say they are. Instead, hang up!”

Ferguson offers these tips:

o Never give control of your computer to someone who calls you.

o Be vigilant in safeguarding personal information.

o Never give out passwords.

o Protect personal computers with legitimate and updated security software.

o Do not provide financial information to anyone who calls, no matter who they say they are.

Consumers who suspect they may have been victimized should:

o Have a reputable computer technician remove any software that may have been installed by the scammers.

o Change passwords.

o Contact your financial institutions, and monitor bank and credit card account activity.

o Anyone who receives such a call is asked to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

For more information, visit the attorney general website.