Senior citizens warned about Microsoft scam in Santa Cruz County

Elderly residents in Santa Cruz County are being warned of a scam that continues to cost senior citizens a significant amount of money and stress.

The Santa Cruz County Division of Adult Protective Services said the scam consists of someone pretending to be with Microsoft (or another computer company) saying you are owed a refund for prior services.

County officials said, victims have reported being asked to grant remote access to their bank account before being told the refund was excessive and to return the excess payments via gift card or wire transfer.

If you get this call, you’re advised to hang up!

If you’ve been a victim of this scam, tell your bank right away and report to Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

Call the Santa Cruz County Adult Protective Services at 831-454-4101 for help, if you have questions, or want more information.

Remember:
1) Never give a caller remote access to your computer
2) Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay them using gift cards
3) Never call the number in a virus alert ‘Pop-Up’ on your computer