Deputies warn of computer tech scam in Monterey County
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a phone scam circulating in which a call identifies himself as a “Microsoft Windows Technician.”
The Sheriff’s Office explained the scam in a release sent out Wednesday:
“The caller explains the reason for the call is to diagnose error messages contained within your computer. The person then asks you to write down a series of computer identification numbers — basically, internet protocol and remote access addresses. The caller asks that you not provide those numbers to him, as he walks you through the process of discovering “Error Messages” in the Event Viewer. Once this is completed, the caller says he can fix the “Errors,” if you provide the computer identification numbers.
By providing the information sought by the caller, in most cases, you have allowed complete access of all data stored within the computer.
When receiving an unsolicited phone call, we recommend you do not provide personal information to the caller.”