Computer user warns of a potential scam

A new potential “scam” is hitting our area. It involves receiving a call, supposedly from someone from Microsoft, saying that their computer system had sent a message to Microsoft warning that individual’s system had a serious virus infection that needed immediate attention. This was an obvious attempt to either solicit information about an individual’s computer and/or to “sell” them some type of “questionable” computer protection.

About three weeks ago, one of my neighbors contacted me to say that she had received such a call. Since she did not have an in-depth knowledge about computers she went into almost a “panic” mode for obvious reasons.

Since I’ve been involved with computers for close to 40 years, I checked out her system and found absolutely nothing wrong. I told her not to worry and to ignore any further calls that she might receive regarding such an issue.

Well, on May 4, I received a call identical to the one she received. I explained that my computer made no such contact with Microsoft and that no such “infection” existed. Furthermore, I informed the caller that I “knew” this was a potential “scam” that they were trying to initiate by virtue of the fraudulent statement on their part about the virus infection and the contact with Microsoft’s computers.

People need to be aware of what’s going on and should somebody contact them stating that “their” computer contacted Microsoft about a virus infection, they need to know that in all likelihood no such direct communication ever occurred and that they were being subject to a potential “scam.”

DR. JOHN IVY

Sandpoint