It’s classic scam: a fake tech support caller claims he needs access to your computer to fix a non-existent bug. But Bette Business Bureau of  Southern Arizona is warning of a new twist that involves the caller actually installing a virus on victims’ computers.

How the Scam Works:

You get a telephone call from someone claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. Microsoft is a popular choice. The callers often have strong accents but use common names such as “Adam” or “Bill.” The scammers may know your name and other personal information, which they get from publicly available phone directories. They might even guess what computer operating system you’re using.

The caller tells you that your computer is sending error messages, and they’ve detected a virus on it. He says only a tech support employee can remove the virus, but first you need to grant him access to your machine. If you give the OK, the caller will run a scan of your files and actually point out how the virus has infected the computer. The scammers then offer to remove the virus…. for a fee. Of course, they need your credit card details first.

Here’s the twist. Those who allowed the caller remote access to their computers, whether they paid for the virus to be removed or not, reported difficulties with their computer afterwards, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Some said their computers would not turn on or certain programs/files were inaccessible. Some victims even reported taking their computers for repair, and the technicians confirmed software had been installed.

What to do if “Tech Support” Calls?  

• Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
• Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from tech support.
• Take the caller’s information down and report it to your local authorities or the FTC.
• If you did allow a caller to access your computer:
  • Change the passwords for your computer, email and online banking/credit card accounts.
  • Be sure to run a virus scan
  • Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report if you shared personal and banking information with the scammer.

For More Information

See Microsoft’s advice on avoiding tech support call scams.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

A scam that promises unlimited Sudoku puzzles is extra tempting this time of year, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns. You have hours to kill sitting through a slow day at work, waiting at the airport or hanging out at a relative’s house. It’s a great time to waste time.

How the Scam Works:

You receive a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that promises to automatically generate Sudoku puzzles. However, when you open the file and try to create a new puzzle, you get a message that you need to “enable macros” by disabling the software’s security setting.

If you do so, you will allow the malware to run on your computer. It will scan your system and send an email with details about your machine, according to computer security blog Naked Security.

What are Macros? 

If you perform a task repeatedly in Microsoft Excel (or another Microsoft Office program), you can speed up your work by automating the task with a macro, a series of commands. However, macros are also a common way for scammers to sneak malware onto your computer.

Back in the 1990s, scammers frequently used this trick until Microsoft set all its software to automatically block macros. This adjustment forced scammers to abandon this technique and find new ways of fooling users. With this new malware, scammers hope that today’s Excel users have forgotten all about macros.

My File is Asking me to Enable Macros. Is This a Scam?   

It can be hard to know when to allow macros in your Microsoft files. Follow these tips to ensure you don’t accidentally allow a virus to run on your computer.

• Whenever you open an Excel workbook that contains macros, you can verify their source before you enable them. Just look for the digital signature, an electronic stamp of authenticity. Learn more about macros
• Set your macro security level to control what happens when you open a workbook that contains a macro. You can choose to run macros based on whether they are digitally signed by a developer on your list of trusted sources. (To find this setting, go to the Tools menu, Macro submenu. Then, click the “Security Level” tab in the “Security” dialog box).
• Watch out for macros in other Microsoft software. This scam involves Excel, but if this technique works, scammers will produce similar tricks using Power Point and Word Documents.

For More Information

Learn more about macros on Microsoft’s support website.

To find out more about scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper.

“Your PC is blocked due to the illegal viewing or distribution of copyrighted content,” reads an official-looking warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “To unblock the computer, you must pay the fine of $100.”

This is a scam. This warning is not from the FBI. Do not send any money.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning of increased reports of ransomware. This malware locks users out of computers for allegedly downloading copyrighted content—videos, music, software or pornography—and threatens legal action to collect fines.

Ransomware is usually installed by clicking malicious attachments or links in email messages, instant messages, social networking sites or other websites; once infected, hijacked computers become completely unusable.

The official-looking warnings appear to come from legitimate agencies—police, FBI, RIAA—and often cite specific statutes, penalties and prison time. Scam notices request that fines be paid by wire transfer or MoneyPak.

Due to the complex nature of this scam, infected computers will likely need to be taken to computer repair experts.

Check with the Internet Crime Complaint Center and BBB’s Scam Source for more warnings on computer scams.