On Saturday (August 27th), a 78-year-old was sitting at his laptop when a pop-up window appeared with a message that supposedly came from Microsoft. The content said that the computer had been hacked and that you should now call the company at the number mentioned.
The unsettled senior citizen followed the request and soon had a supposed Microsoft employee on the line. This was connected to the PC and asked the Grevenbroich resident which online accounts he had. Amounts were then debited via various payment services and online retailers. The senior immediately had his bank account blocked and filed a police report.
Attempts at fraud like this happen all the time. Criminals take on different roles and try to get money, valuables or even data from their victims. Once a suspect has gained access to the PC and obtained access data for accounts, transactions often take place immediately.
The best protection against fraudsters is to know their scams.
- Never give out your personal information over the phone!
- Also be aware: Companies like Microsoft usually do not contact you unsolicited or ask for account details.
You can also find further tips on the Internet: https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/betrug/falsche-microsoft-arbeiter/
Article image: Pexels
Source: PP/Rhein-Neuss district police authority
Also interesting:
You can find fake advertisements on all common apartment search portals.
Criminals will also contact you directly if you have posted a “wanted” ad. – Fake apartment advertisements on eBay and Co.!
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