Local Scam Alert

Scammers are calling people in our area, pretending to be from Apple or other well-known companies. The phone number they use is often spoofed so that it appears to be the real deal on caller ID. The scammers falsely claim that your computer or mobile device has been hacked or compromised. They may offer to fix it for you if you give them access. Instead of fixing it, though, they actually install the malware themselves.

In another variation, they send a very realistic email that looks to be from Apple or Microsoft, and claim that your device or account is compromised. If you click on any links in the email, it will take you to a website which downloads malware without your knowledge.

In both cases, scammers will then contact you and demand that you purchase gift cards for them, usually in exchange for removing the malware.

 To stay safe from these scams, remember the following:

• Apple and Microsoft will never contact you unless you request them to contact you.
• Do not give personal information (passwords, bank or credit card numbers, etc.) to unknown callers
• Never allow a stranger to access your computer. If you suspect that your device has been compromised, turn it off and take it to a reputable computer repair technician.
• Don’t click on links in emails that you were not expecting. Open a new internet browser window and type the address of the website you wish to visit.