POLOKWANE – A resident of the city recently found himself R10 000 out of pocket after falling prey to a computer scam targeting people who use Windows XP.
Microsoft stopped delivering any support services to users of Windows XP in April, and according to information gleaned from a Google search of the internet, many scamsters have used this fact to line their pockets.
Robert de Jager told Review that the wool was pulled over his eyes when he received a call from someone who said his computer was seriously infected with viruses, and would cause him major problems due to him still using Windows XP. The person promised him assistance in this regard.
“I knew that Microsoft was not providing support to the users of Windows XP anymore, and this call sounded genuine. The person spoke with a heavy accent. He said he would take me through the process to fix my computer, and it would cost me only R300 for life-long service,” De Jager said.
De Jager said he asked the man several times if this was absolutely necessary, and was assured by him that it would safeguard his computer against future problems. He decided to pay the R300 with his credit card, but was shocked when a transaction amounting to $876US (R9 336) was done.
“I could have bought a new computer with a new operating programme for less than that,” he said.
“When I saw this amount I switched off my computer immediately. Since then I have been unable to use my computer as it asks for a password,” De Jager said.
He said he was in the process of taking steps against the scamster, including opening a criminal case, and had had to call in the assistance of a computer expert to get his computer started up again.
He warned other computer users against accepting such calls and believing what the callers told them.
A quick Google search revealed that warnings regarding this, and similar scams, had been posted all over the internet.
Microsoft warned that such calls were illegitimate and a scam. Microsoft stated that they did not call anybody and ask to upgrade their computers.
Once scamsters have access to a computer they can install malicious malware, steal personal information, take control of the computer remotely or direct consumers to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter their credit card number and other personal information.
Provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronél Otto, said anyone caught out in this manner should open a criminal case at their nearest police station immediately. “This is the only way we will know there is a problem, and be able to investigate,” she explained.
Otto advised people to be on the alert for scams such as this, and to never share personal information over the telephone.
