Most people have a computer that connects to the Internet nowadays and are vaguely familiar with the concept of an Internet Protocol, or IP, address. An IP address is a number assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet. Managing editor Tami Roleff says she received a phone call recently that is a new scam regarding IP addresses that she’s never heard of before…
“Your IP address has been compromised in several countries. It will be disconnected within forty-eight hours. To avoid this, and get a new IP address plus a free new router, press one to be connected to a technician.”
The first red flag that this was a scam phone call is that my caller ID said the phone number of the caller was my own telephone number. The second clue is that an IP address is just a number; it can’t be “compromised.” You can change your IP address any time you want by disconnecting, and then re-connecting, to your Internet Service Provider.
If you want to play games with the caller, you can ask them what your IP address is. Chances are, they won’t know it. Also ask them how they connected your phone number to your IP address. Whatever you do, DON’T give the caller ANY personal information, and DON’T allow them to take remote control of your computer, no matter what story you’re told.
