Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman recently alerted Colorado residents of fraudulent telephone calls for technical support that identifies the caller as “Colorado State Gov’t” with the phone number (800) 222-4444.
The caller will offer to help remove a virus from the resident’s computer, or leave a message that asks the resident to visit a website or call a number for assistance. The scam hopes residents unintentionally allow access to computers, where tracking software can be secretly installed to steal personal and financial information, including passwords and online accounts.
“These phone calls are obviously false,” Coffman said in a news release. “No one in state government knows whether your computer is affected by a virus, and we certainly aren’t going to call you to get you to pay us to fix your computer.”
Tips to avoid tech-support scams include:
Know what to look for and be aware of how fraudulent calls, emails and computer messages from strangers appear. Major computer and software companies, including anti-virus and computer security software companies, do not keep a record of, and have no way of knowing, that a particular computer is infected with a virus. Legitimate companies will send notices or updates when there is a threat to its market customers.Legitimate companies never call without warning or send pop-up messages that claim a virus or problem with a personal computer has been detected.Residents should hang up immediately if the caller offers technical support or claims a personal computer has been hacked or infected with a virus in some way. Do not respond, and delete pop-up messages immediately.Never allow a stranger remote access to a computer for any reason.Contact the computer manufacturer directly if an actual virus or problem is suspected to exist.Ensure computer security software is installed, updated and active, and the device’s firewall and pop-up blocker is turned on to prevent intrusions.Research local computer-service companies, rated by agencies such as Better Business Bureau, if without a regular contact.To report a scam, call 1-800-222-4444 or visit www.stopfraudcolorado.gov/about-consumer-protection/report-fraud.
fstone@durangoherald.com