“Hi. I’m <insert name> from Microsoft. We have detected that you have <insert problem> with your PC”.
This is the start of a classic scam that has been doing the rounds for many years and is continuing to claim victims.
Scams come in many different types from the classic “support call” above to dating or romance scams, buying and/or selling goods online and many others.
In 2023 nearly 8000 incidents were reported to CERT NZ with a combined loss of $18.3 million!
These are just the reported incidents; many go unreported.
How do you keep yourself safe from a scam?
Be aware of RED flags:
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Requesting access to your “computer” to troubleshoot an issue.
- Poor grammar and/or spelling in text messages and emails.
- Urgency or pressure tactics.
- Requests for payment via unusual methods – gift cards, wire transfers.
- Unsolicited communication – emails, calls, texts – asking for personal information.
Always:
- Verify the legitimacy of requests or offers. Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Do your own research and don’t be in a hurry.
- Don’t share sensitive personal information including on social media – Facebook, Instagram, X, Tiktok etc.
- If the person on the phone says they’re from your bank, hang-up, ring your bank on their correct phone number and report it to them. Don’t use the number the person called from.
Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated all the time meaning we need to always be “on guard”.