By Illinois Radio Network
CHICAGO – A new report from the Better Business Bureau warns that virtually anyone in Illinois could be victimized by technical support scammers.
The report says anyone who owns or uses a computer is a potential target. Microsoft reports it receives more than 12,000 complaints worldwide every month.
Steve Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, says thieves are using proven techniques to trick consumers into buying phony fixes.
“These are fraudulent calls to your home or a pop-up advertisement on your computer saying that your computer is infected, it has a virus in it, and you need to repair it immediately,” Bernas said. “But you must call this [specific] 800 number. It’s not just here locally. It’s a worldwide problem.”
Bernas says consumers are fearful they’ll lose files or data if they don’t act, and scammers know how to prey on those fears.
“There’s always some dire consequence if you don’t fix it,” Bernas said. “They tell you that in the email or notice. Consumers don’t want anything to happen to their computer or the contents of their computer, so they believe the advertisement.”
Bernas suggests you should research any companies before doing business with them. And if the phone call is unsolicited, it’s a clear sign to be suspicious
“Nobody is going to call you out of the blue to say your computer has a virus on it,” Bernas said. “It’s what the BBB calls the ‘tip off to the rip off.’ Anybody telling you that you have to do something immediately by clicking a link or calling an 800 number is fraudulent in nature.”
The BBB also warns that consumers might have been victimized without their knowledge, thinking an infected computer has been repaired.
“You allow them access to your computer, they make some changes,” Bernas said. “You think everything is perfect, but they didn’t fix anything. They took your money and may have put malware on your computer. Never give access to your computer to anyone you don’t know.”
The Better Business Bureau asks the public to report all potential scams to bbb.org.
“If you’ve been a victim, please let us know, but also get your computer repaired by someone who knows what they’re doing,” Bernas said.
