Recently, a Joshua Tree woman was scammed out of $9700 when someone based in India convinced her that her computer was hacked. Over a two-week period, the victim sent the fake company $9700 via gift cards to fix the non-existent problem on her computer. Managing editor Tami Roleff explains how to avoid being a victim of computer scams…
If you get a call or email or pop-up message out of the blue from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, or a cyber security company, and who is warning you about viruses, malware, or other problems on your computer, be aware this is a scam. These scammers will often claim to be from tech support and ask for remote access to your computer, or say your computer has a virus and you need to purchase a program to get rid of it. If you receive a message, phone call, or email like this, stop. Don’t click on any links. Don’t give them control of your computer. And don’t send them any money, and especially don’t send them gift cards. Legitimate companies are not paid in gift cards. If you fell for the scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
JOSHUA TREE WOMAN SCAMMED OUT OF $9,700
