Since May 2014, Microsoft has received more than 65,000 complaints from customers who have fallen victim to these practices. Often, these scammers pose as Microsoft employees and try to gain your trust to perform unnecessary repairs for exorbitant amounts.
Malicious software
It is also increasingly common for scammers to install malicious software remotely while 'repairing' the non-existent problems. This is done to provide support for high fees against the software they have installed themselves, or to obtain passwords and personal information.
Microsoft takes action
Microsoft is now taking action, starting with a lawsuit against Omnitech, a subsidiary of Customer Focus Services. This company makes people believe that they are affiliated with Microsoft to gain their trust.
Furthermore, Microsoft provides some tips to prevent you from becoming a victim of scammers posing as Microsoft employees:
- Do not purchase software or services
- Ask if there is a membership associated with the service, and if so, hang up
- Never give control to a third party unless you know it is a trustworthy party
- Write down the information of the person calling you and report it to the authorities
- Never give your credit card details or any other financial information over the phone
If you are already a victim, you can report this to Microsoft.
