Man says scammers trying to access computers

A Jackson man wants people to know about a scam that promises online computer repair for free.

"Beware of someone contacting you by phone wanting to fix your computer problems," said Harry Dryer, who on Monday night received a call from someone claiming to be with a computer company.

The man spoke fast and had an accent that sounded Indian, Dryer said.

"I couldn't catch the name of the so-called company he was with," he said.

According to Dryer, the caller said his company had received error messages from Dryer's computer that it was running slow and had problems connecting to the Internet. The problems could be fixed if Dryer typed a web address into his Internet browser that would give the company access to his computer. Best of all, the caller said, it would be free of charge.

Dryer sensed the caller was involved in a scam, and hung up the phone. About 30 minutes later, his curiosity led him to call the toll-free number the "company" had used to contact him. According to Dryer, another voice answered the phone and simply said, "Hello?"

"I also heard loud children in the background," Dryer said.

On Tuesday, Dryer called the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division about the matter.

"The people at the FTC said the scam has happened not only in Southeast Missouri, but also across the country," Dryer said. "It's also hit countries like Brazil, the United Kingdom and Canada."

Nanci Gonder, spokeswoman for the Missouri Attorney General's Office, said in an email to the Southeast Missourian that the Consumer Protection Division works to shut down scammers, but asked consumers to be vigilant.

"We urge consumers to get as much information as possible from a company that offers free computer or other services before contacting us," Gonder said. "We also ask that they not disclose any personal or financial information."

Consumers who have been targeted by fraudulent companies are asked to contact the Consumer Protection Division by calling 800-392-8222 or by visiting ago.mo.gov.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635