Two scams are circulating through Montana which fraudulently uses the Microsoft name. Cyber-criminals and scam artists often use the name of well-known and trusted corporations as a way to garner personal information and money from unsuspecting victims. Scammers have been targeting Montanans in these Microsoft scams, using both email and telephone communications. Please familiarize yourself with these scams and spread the word to your friends and family.
- The “Microsoft Lottery” sends you an award letter: The Microsoft Award letter is a new twist on an old theme: Scammers are trying to trick recipients of the letter into believing they have won a large sum of money from Microsoft Corporation. In fact, there is no such thing as a “Microsoft Lottery.” This letter is a scam with the intended purpose of stealing the recipient’s identity by gathering their personal information. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Someone from “Microsoft Tech Support” calls to fix your computer: In this scam, cyber-criminals call and claim to be from Microsoft Tech Support. They offer to help solve a citizen’s computer problems. Once the crooks have gained your trust, they attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malicious software including viruses and spyware. Although law enforcement can trace phone numbers, perpetrators often use pay phones, disposable cellular phones, or stolen cellular phone numbers. It’s better to avoid being conned rather than try to repair the damage afterward. Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Do not provide any personal information. If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Tech Support, hang up. Microsoft does not make these kinds of calls.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam or see fraudulent activity on your account, please contact us at 406.651.AFCU (2328).
