Full Notification

*** NEW VERSION OF MICROSOFT SCAM ***

We took a report today of a resident that was victimized by a new version of the Microsoft scam. In this case, the resident was working on her computer when a warning came up on the screen. It was a legit looking message from "Microsoft." The message stated there was a problem with the security of the computer and it gave a phone number to call for help from "Microsoft" to clear the problem.

The resident was tricked into paying out $329.99 to "fix" the problem. Once it was discovered that this was a scam, it was too late. The scammer did have specific information on the people in the household. The problem is being resolved through the resident's bank and the computer has been brought to a local professional for repair.

I am sure this scam will be on the rise. When the telephone version of the Microsoft scam becomes known, the scammers change their tactics.

The lesson here is to not trust such messages on your computer and don't call the number initially given. Probably the safest way to handle it if you question the validity of such a message, is to call a local trusted IT or computer repair person. They will know the right people to contact to verify or clear such issues.

Please share this information.

Thank You