On Tuesday afternoon (October 22, 2019), an alleged employee of Microsoft contacted a 69-year-old woman from Troisdorf by telephone.
Bank transfers after computer kidnapping: The alleged Microsoft employee stated that the woman's computer had sent a security notice and that he now wanted to fix the error remotely. In fact, the computer had been displaying occasional error messages in the last few days, so the Troisdorf resident was unsuspecting. During the 2-hour phone call, the perpetrator managed to access the 69-year-old's computer and also request personal data by typing various things on the keyboard.
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A variety of bank transfers
To check the security of online banking, the woman also revealed TAN numbers. While the stranger continued to speak, he secretly made a large number of bank transfers from the victim's account. These transfer orders aroused the suspicion of the house bank, which also called the 69-year-old. Only then did she realize that she had become a victim of a fraudster and ended the conversation with the perpetrator. The bank was able to stop some of the transfer orders, but the telephone fraudster still stole more than 3,000 euros.
To avoid falling victim to a scammer over the phone, your police advise you:
- Always check the authenticity of the alleged callers (e.g. supposed Microsoft employees) (preferably with someone you trust)!
- Are there any references to the calls on the company website? Can you find the real customer service number on the official company website?
- It may be worth calling the company to make sure the caller is authentic.
- If in doubt, hang up! As a preventive measure, regularly back up your data (photos, passwords, etc.) from unauthorized access!
- Never transfer money to unknown people!
- Listen to your gut feeling and don't let yourself be put under pressure!
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Any reputable company will understand your caution.
Continue to regularly inform yourself about tips on how to deal safely with unknown people and pass on your knowledge to others ! Be sure to report it if you have fallen victim to a scam - even if you may be embarrassed that you fell for the scam.
Source: Press portal
Article image: Shutterstock / OLEH SLEPCHENKO
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