It may seem like an outdated method, but a recent survey by Microsoft suggests telephone tech support scams are on the rise.  Rather than the usual method of official looking bulk emails to convince users to divulge account information or even gain remote access to users’ PCs, scammers have been contacting Windows users via the phone.

The callers claimed to be from Microsoft and the user had just won “The Microsoft Lottery”.  Victims were asked for various pieces of information including email addresses and passwords, financial records and credit card numbers.

Fifteen percent of  Microsoft users contacted in recent survey conducted by Microsoft – ironically by phone – claim to have been called in an attempt to gain account information.  Of the fifteen percent contacted by criminals, twenty-two percent  fell for the scam.  The majority of the users who gave remote access to the criminals reported PCs that were bogged down with viruses. The average victim suffered $875 in damages.

It’s important to know who you’re dealing with when you receive a call like this.  Don’t ever give out information about your PC to anyone you aren’t absolutely sure is there to help you. If you believe it’s a legitimate call, try hanging up and calling  back directly or call FOA for advice and assistance.

Remember: Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls to help with your PC, there’s no such thing as the Microsoft Lottery, and you don’t need to enter credit card information to validate your copy of Windows.

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