Computer Software Service frauds

There are some frauds where a representative claiming to be from Apple or Microsoft calls to tell you about a problem related to your device. The caller aims to get remote access to your system, and the owner may be asked to validate software or an app or make some payment for a bogus repair. 

For example, they are asked to validate the Windows update process or download software redirecting them to alternative sites. 

In reality, no repairs are made, and the victim gets calls or pop-ups on their machine asking them to call the given numbers, or they are asked to download from links often containing viruses that hack information from the user's machine. 

How Does It Happen?

• The users get unsolicited emails with attachments offering system updates or a call from Microsoft Tech Support to repair the user system. In one such case, the victim was asked to download TeamViewer and enter account details, and the scammer could see everything she was doing. 

• In addition, the callers tricked the victim into divulging details related to security keys and codes. 

• You are asked to fill in the credit card information and validate your windows.

• You are informed that you won a lottery, and you can claim the prize money by clicking on the link and filling in the needed account details.

How To Spot It?

• Computer firms never send subscribers unsolicited communication related to security updates or otherwise. Therefore, one should not open a personal email from such addresses.

• No reputable software firm like Microsoft or Apple makes a phone call or sends emails to their customers to fix their systems. 

• Such communications are sent by fake representatives who want to install a virus/ app into the user's machine or penetrate the computer security firewall to steal data. One should never provide personal or bank information to such representatives.

• Microsoft does not ask for credit card information and will not ask to download an app from a link in an email; instead, it redirects users to their authorised website. Furthermore, it never asks for personal identification details and offers any form of a lottery scheme. 

How To Protect Yourself?

• If you get any such call, hang up the phone immediately and delete the email. If you want help regarding the software update or anything else, contact the firm directly instead of clicking on the link offered by the unsolicited email. 

• Disconnect the machine and end the session immediately if you have given remote access to any such person or site. Report it to the bank if you suspect your account could have been compromised. Reset all passwords in the machine and enable two-factor authentication. 

• Uninstall the apps you installed on their instruction. Run a full security scan and reset your device. If you suspect a fraud, report it to the regulatory agencies.

• Never call on the number given in pop-ups on computer screens. Likewise, do not make payments to such addresses.

• Do not allow remote access to your system, and never make any financial decisions in a hurry.

• Always take time to respond if asked to provide permission for remote access from another computer.

Government agencies have advised the eCommerce sites to inform customers of the proper ways to communicate directly in case of any issue. 

However, the scammers may seek permission to access your payment gateways for subscriptions or downloads. Some customers even reported misuse of remote access brands like AnyDesk and GoToAssist. 

The remote access LogMein spokespersons said they had taken such cases seriously and are monitoring users' actions and cancelled accounts of users involved in such illegal activities. In addition, AnyDesk said they had integrated new features to protect users from such crimes.