Crime Prevention Advisory for ‘Microsoft’ Phone Scams

Victims reported received calls from unknown persons claiming to be from the technical support sections of Microsoft or other major software companies.

The callers would inform the victims that their computers were found to be experiencing problems and were in need of security or software updates. In most cases, the callers would ask the victims to download and install one or more software from the Internet. The victims were asked to provide the software user account identification codes and passwords to the caller. In some instances, victims received instructions from the callers to enter some commands into their computers.

Some victims observed that their computers were remotely controlled or files were deleted remotely after following the instructions of the callers. The callers would then convince the victims to buy additional software by making online payments or providing their credit card details.

Members of public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

• Ignore such calls. Do not follow the instructions of the callers to install any software into your computer or enter any commands; and
• Do not make any payment or divulge your credit card or bank account details to the callers.

Victims of scams should report the matter to the police immediately.

Last updated: 14 August 2012