Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. I received a call earlier this week from a man with a heavy accent claiming to be from one of the large computer companies. He told me that my computer was at risk for intrusions from viruses and spyware. Then he offered to remotely access my computer and install a new antivirus program to protect my computer. He asked me for my credit card information so the company could charge my card for the software. Unfortunately I gave it to them because everything seemed legitimate while I was on the phone with them. I let them access my computer and install the new program but now my computer doesn’t work at all. One of my friends told me that it sounds like I was scammed and I should report it. Where do I report this scam and what should I do now to protect my identity? P.M. Doylestown, PA
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A. Unfortunately, this computer scam has been going around our area lately. Consumer Protection has received numerous calls regarding different variations of this scam. The basic goal these scammers are trying to achieve is to steal your personal information and steal your identity. To make their attempts to steal your identity even more insulting they’re now taking consumer’s credit card information and submitting fraudulent charges for their “services”. These charges have been showing on consumer’s credit card bills as a company located in India. Most credit card companies are willing to work with consumers and reverse these charges so you do not have any liability for the charges as long as you notify them within 60 days of the charge. It’s important to promptly notify your credit card company any time you suspect a fraudulent charge. They can send you a new card if your information has been compromised. After making sure your credit card is secure you should request a copy of your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com, which you can do once per year from each credit bureau to make sure there aren’t any fraudulent accounts or incorrect information on your credit report. You can also ask that a fraud alert be placed on your report if you had any personal information saved on your computer that could be used by identity thieves. It’s also important to report these scams to the proper agency, the Federal Trade Commission, through www.ftc.gov. If your phone number is on the Do Not Call list you can also report these scams through www.donotcall.gov. They keep a national database to track these scammers and to help shut them down when possible. Unfortunately many of these scammers are operating outside the United States and are simply using an application which masks the caller ID that displays on your phone to make you think it’s a legitimate local call. Lastly, make sure you have your computer repaired by a reputable local company. If you would like to check into the record of a businesses you are considering you can call or e-mail Bucks County Consumer Protection and we will help provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Bucks County Consumer Protection 215-348-6060 consumerprotection@buckscounty.org
