Bismarck Police Warn of Computer Scam

| 5/9/2012

The Bismarck Police Department is warning residents of a scams that attempts to let the victim give a caller access to their computer. The scam is an attempt to access personal information that is stored on the victim`s computer.

In this scam, the victim receives a phone call from someone who claims to be a computer technician with Microsoft. The caller will claim that they have detected a virus on the victim`s computer. They then attempt to get the victim to open up their computer and allow the caller remote access, supposedly to get rid of the virus.

If the caller is allowed access to the victim`s computer any sensitive material stored on it will be at risk.

Authorities advise to to never give personal information, account numbers, passwords or your social security number to anyone over the telephone or face to face unless you initiated the contact. If you are in doubt of the person or doubt the validity of their intentions break off contact with them immediately.

If you feel you have been a victim of a scam report it to the police, as well as any financial institution that you believe the scammer will have access to.

For more information on how to protect yourself from scams go to the ND Attorney General web site at www.ag.nd.gov and click on Consumer Protection.

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