Phone calls from people identifying themselves from Windows Support. The callers indicate that there is a problem with your computer's security certificate or something similar and for a small fee they will fix your computer remotely. Please do not trust unsolicited calls and DO NOT provide any personal information to people that you are not familiar with or you did not call. According to Microsoft – “Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes”. If someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support calls do not purchase any software or services.
Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the “service”. If there is, hang up.
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
Take the caller’s information down and immediately report it to your local authorities.
Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.
If you feel you are a victim of a scam, please contact your local agencies. There are many helpful tips and resources on the Jefferson County DA's Office webpage:
jeffco.us/district-attorney/
Federal Bureau of Investigations warnings on E-Scams:
www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams
IRS Scam:
Phone calls stating that the caller is from the IRS and tells you that if you don’t send money you will be arrested. That is not true.
Please be vigilant and help protect your loved ones who are elderly, they are especially susceptible to these and other scams.
