Crime & Safety

Sheriff's Office Warns of Computer Tech Phone Scam

Caller posing as Microsoft technician seeks remote computer access, credit card information.

After a recent base in Ashburn, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to county resident to be wary of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be Microsoft computer technicians and seeking personal information.

In the Ashburn case, which occurred in June, a woman received a call explaining that her computer was infected with a virus that was corrupting her files. The caller then asked permission to remotely access her computer.

It’s possible through remote access that the scammer installs a virus or other form of software that deteriorates computer files and programs. The callers asked the woman for her bank information to purchase virus protection, which could potentially be used to make illegal purchases. At that point, the woman became suspicious and contacted authorities.

Residents should never respond to unsolicited requests for personal information over the telephone, even if the request appears to come from a legitimate business. That tip include anyone request to “confirm, verify or update” your information.

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Microsoft told the Sheriff’s Office that it does not make unsolicited calls to help fix computers.


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