A local resident is out more than $1,800 and Oceanside RCMP want to make sure no one else falls for the same scam.
According to a news release from Cpl. Jesse Foreman, Oceanside RCMP recieved a complaint from a local resident on Aug. 25 saying she had been the victim of a fraud.
“The complainant stated that she had recieved a phone call from someone stating they were with the Microsoft Corporation and that in order to have her computer fixed, she would have to pay a fee,” said Foreman in the release.
“The complainant agreed to pay this amount and sent $1,818.99 (fees included) to India via Money Gram.”
The woman later realized she’d been scammed, and called her bank and Money Gram, but she was told the money had been removed from her account and picked up in India. “There was no recourse for her,” said Foreman.
He suggested that, though scammers can be “very convincing,” to just hang up if you receive a call from someone claiming to represent the Microsoft Corporation. “Microsoft will not call you,” he said.
Foreman also advised people to take their computers to a local repair shop or to call a mobile repair specialist.
“Do not allow remote access to your computer to be gained, and do not provide money orders, credit car numbers or personal details to these scammers,” he said.
— Oceanside RCMP