Scott County sheriff warns of fake tech support scam

BENTON, Mo, -- Scott County law enforcement is warning the public of a possible phone scam that could lead to computer damage.

The Scott County Sheriff's Department has received complaints over possible cybercriminals posing as technicians from Microsoft, according to a criminal activity advisory sent Thursday afternoon.

In the scam, the caller claims to be from Microsoft Tech Support and offers to help solve computer problems, and once trust is gained attempts to steal information and damage computers with malicious software.

Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help fix computers, according to the advisory. The sheriff's office advises the public not to provide any personal information if a call is received and to treat unsolicited phone calls with skepticism.

Fraud or suspected fraud can be reported to local law enforcement or to the Microsoft company online at www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-scams.aspx#Victim.

Pertinent address:

Benton, MO