Computer scammers are at it again and are operating in this area, says Oceanside RCMP Corporal Jesse Foreman.
According to the Better Business Bureau and three recent complaints to the Oceanside RCMP, the Computer Virus Fixing Scheme remains popular with scammers and continues to claim victims.
Foreman said the scam works when a homeowner receives a call from someone claiming to be representative of a reputable computer repair or software company.
“They try to convince the computer owner that their computer is infected with a virus or needs cleaning and they will then offer to remotely clean the computer for a fee,” he said.
That’s not what really happens however.
“The scammer gains remote access to your computer and is able to gain your personal information,” he said. “They will claim to have cleaned your computer and will ask for credit card payment for the service. Often if the computer owner refuses to pay, the computer is then infected with a virus or computer problems surface.”
He stressed that this scam is easily avoided — and definitely should be.
“Take your computer to a local repair shop or call a mobile repair specialist if you feel you have a virus or issue,” he said. “If you receive a similar call, simply hang up, do not allow remote access to be gained and do not provide money or personal details to these scammers.”