Microsoft Warns of ‘Tech Support’ Scams

“Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request for personal or financial information, or fix your computer.“

For Immediate Release – April 24, 2018

Muncie, Ind. –  Microsoft warns that tech support scams are on the rise. The Microsoft Secure blog is reporting 153,000 complaints logged in the past year alone, with 15 percent of users unfortunately falling victim and actually handing over their hard-earned cash to illegitimate parties, or scammers.

This is a 24% increase in reported scams from their benchmarks the year prior — signalling that users are either becoming more savvy to such tactics (and thus, reporting), or the sheer volume of scams is increasing — likely both.

How does it work?
Tech support scams can materialize in numerous ways, but typically originate from either a cold call or a pop-up notification while browsing online that encourages users to contact a legtimate-sounding third-party, with a name like “Microsoft” or “Windows Technical Support.”

Scammers then use a variety of confidence tricks to get the victim to install remote desktop software, allowing outside parties to take control of the victim’s computer. The scammer will then use various Windows utilities (such as the Event Viewer), or third-party applications (which may or may not contain malware) to convince users that their computer has a virus or other issues that need technical intervention. Finally, the scammer will proceed by prompting for the victim to pay for “support”.

In an effort to protect yourself from tech support scams, Microsoft offers the following reminders:

• Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request for personal or financial information, or fix your computer.
• Remember, Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support. Any communication we have with you must be initiated by you.
• Don’t call the number in pop-ups. Microsoft’s error and warning messages never include a phone number.

If you or your team recognizes a tech support scam, we encourage you to contact the support staff at Deltec. For those interested in contributing to Microsoft’s ongoing work to combat such efforts, a self-reporting form is available.

If you have any questions or concerns about tech scams or your technology, please contact Deltec Solutions.

About Deltec Solutions

Deltec Solutions is a Muncie-based business specializing in strategic Information Technology solutions for organizations.  As a trusted technology partner for small and mid-size organizations since 1990, Deltec Solutions consults with clients about their technology needs, including:  IT network consulting and planning, cybersecurity and business continuity planning, off-site desktop support, and – through a service line known as Deltec Digital – website design and digital marketing services.

Contact

Scott Jordan, Founder and CTO
sajordan@deltecsolutions.com | 765-587-5101