Johannesburg - Technology is a wonderful thing when it makes our lives easier, cheaper, more connected with loved ones, or all three: Think Skype, tele-conferencing, free wi-fi.
And then there’s keylogging. When my computer misbehaves, usually on deadline, I call my service provider, download TeamViewer, then sit back and watch a techie take over my machine, the cursor magically whizzing across my screen under his direction – from his office half an hour’s drive away.
Wonderful
Unfortunately scam artists operating globally have for the past few years been using this technology to scam people while making them believe they’re helping them.
A cold caller calls people up, claiming to be from Microsoft or somehow affiliated to Microsoft, with the news that their computers are infected with some kind of virus that will corrupt all their files if not taken care of.
And they’ll take care of it, for a fee, of course.
Then they direct the gullible person to a website that gives them remote access to their computers.
At best they claim that the computer is riddled with viruses and on the verge of total collapse, and then whip a massive amount out of the person’s credit card account as a fee; or pressurise the person into agreeing to a year’s “maintenance fee”.
At worst they install malicious software that could capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords.
“In reality, there is nothing wrong with these computers, but the scammer has tricked the consumer into believing there is a problem and that paying the fee is the best way to get it fixed,” Microsoft warned South African consumers last year.
“Don’t be fooled, it is not practice at Microsoft to cold call consumers (regarding) malfunctioning PCs or viruses.
“In the rare instance where Microsoft might contact consumers directly, the caller will be able to verify the existence of a current customer relationship.”
I’ve had a few of these calls on my home landline, and usually terminate them as soon as I realise what they’re after.
But last week I decided to string the caller along and take a few notes.
The man claimed to be calling from Cape Town – no doubt the first lie – representing a company called Virtual PC Secure, which offers “help and advice on the Windows operating system”.
In the past few weeks, he said, when I was online, I’d been acquiring a whole lot of “corrupted files” from the internet.
“And your anti-virus software can’t stop them, alright?” he assured me.
And then he launched into his lure. “Are you sitting in front of your computer now?”
I assured him I was, but, like him, I was lying.
“Click on Computer Management, okay, then see System Tools, then Events Viewer…”
Eventually he asked me what I was seeing on my screen, which is when it became impossible to string him along any more.
I told him I wasn’t looking at a screen, and asked why on earth he thought I’d let a complete stranger have access to my computer.
His tone switched from sing-song pleasant to angry immediately.
“Don’t try to make me a fool!” he blasted.
Same to you, mate, same to you. - The Star
Key advice from Microsoft
Never buy computer software or services over the telephone.
If there is a fee associated with the service, hang up.
Consumers should never authorise remote control over a computer to a third party unless they can confirm that they are legitimate representatives of a computer support team with whom they are already a customer.
Take the caller’s information and report them to the SAPS (08600 10111 or [email protected]) immediately.
Never provide credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.
If you fear you have already been scammed:
l Change the computer password, change the e-mail password and change the password for any financial accounts (including bank and credit cards).
l Scan your computer with the Microsoft Safety Scanner (http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/) to find out if you have malware installed on your computer.
l Keep an eye on your bank accounts and report any potentially fraudulent activities immediately.
l Ensure the operating system is updated and that all security updates are installed.
l Make sure the system is protected with strong passwords that are changed regularly.
More guidance and advice is available at www.microsoft.com/security or consumers can contact the local office at 011 361 9000.