Have you ever received a call from a prominent company such as Microsoft or Telstra? Perhaps you’ve encountered those pesky pop-up messages claiming that Microsoft has detected a virus on your computer and urging you to call for immediate assistance. Well, here’s the truth: It’s highly likely to be a scam.
These modern-day con artists employ various tactics to deceive you. They may claim that a virus has been traced back to your IP address and insist immediate action is required to avoid fines. Urgency and scare tactics are their weapons of choice.
However, it’s important to note that Microsoft cannot access your IP information. While scammers may be able to obtain an IP address, they cannot identify its owner. Only your internet service provider (ISP) possesses this information; external parties can access it only through a court order. Furthermore, Telstra doesn’t have access to, for example, Optus IP information either.
Companies often emphasise that they will never ask for your password or prompt you to reset it using a provided link. It is crucial to treat these scammers the same way. No reputable company will ever request remote access to your devices. If a major ISP detects malicious activity, they will typically advise you to take your computer to a trusted repair shop for further examination.
So, what happens if you fall victim to these scammers and grant them access to your computer? One of their initial steps involves executing genuine Windows commands that generate extensive information, including your computer’s current connections. They may manipulate this data, pointing out the connections as potential hackers infiltrating your system.
Once the remote connection is established, the scammers can access everything on your device. They can discreetly search and download files, steal stored passwords from your browser, and engage in many malicious activities.
When handling these calls, my advice is to never engage with the scammers or attempt to outsmart them. Doing so might encourage them to launch more sophisticated attacks against you. Instead, a simple response like, “I know nothing about computers, and my grandchild, who works in IT, will handle it”, often makes them hang up. They might become pushy or aggressive, insisting on immediate rectification, but hanging up is crucial. Unfortunately, contacting companies such as Microsoft directly is not feasible. If it was your ISP calling, dial its official number, not any number provided during the call, to verify the legitimacy. If in doubt or if you have been a victim of such a scam, seek assistance from someone you trust to inspect your computer or take it to a reputable professional for servicing.
I hope this article has enlightened you. If you would like to read more stories like this or have any questions, email askatech@mmg.com.au