Kenosha Co. Assistant DA warning about Microsoft phone scam



KENOSHA COUNTY (WITI) -- Scammers are trying to get to your computer, and they're getting access from you! Now, officials are warning about a phone scam in which callers claim to want to help "fix" your computer.

Richard Ginkowski is the Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney. Last week, he got a phone call from someone claiming to be Microsoft Technical Support.

"Said I had errors or possible viruses on my machine," Ginkowski said.

This struck Ginkowski as suspicious because the so-called Microsoft technician said it affected the computer he was using, but he was on a Mac.

"I knew immediately it was a scam," Ginkowski said.

After contacting Microsoft, he found out this scam has been going on four a couple years, but at a greater degree recently.

Microsoft rarely makes cold calls, but if you don't know that, the scam can sound plausible.

“Microsoft began tracking these scams a few years ago. Computer users who give up sensitive information or allow remote access to their computers risk getting corrupted or deleted files, compromised personal data and unwanted charges on credit cards,” Ginkowski said.

Ginkowski says scammers can also charge you to take the viruses off your computer -- viruses they installed through remote access.

Ginkowski says the best advice is to simply say ‘no’ and hang up.

Many of the scammers say they're Microsoft Tech Support or Windows Service Center or something similar.