The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center says the PC virus scam accounts for up to 80% of frauds reported daily in Canada.
They have issued a new warning to remind people how to recognize it.
“If someone calls you claiming to be able to protect your computer from viruses, hang up the phone.”
Typically the caller claims to work for Microsoft or another software or internet company.
He says they’ve detected your computer is running slowly or it has a virus.
He will then offer to repair it if you give him remote access to your PC over the internet.
Eventually you’ll be asked for a credit card to pay anywhere from $35 dollars to $500 dollars.
“If a scammer is able to log on to your computer, he has access to all the personal information, including your banking information.”
“Don’t give the caller your computer access codes and don’t provide your credit card information.”
Police say, “It’s not rude to hang up on someone who’s trying to steal your money and information.”
For more information go to www.antifraudcentre.ca
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