Peabody Police: Computer Scam Alert

Peabody Police are warning residents that if they get a call from a heavily accented male claiming to represent Microsoft about errors in your computer’s Windows - do NOT participate because it is a scam.

Police said it is a scam to allow the man to remotely access your computer to check for errors.

The scams rely on a combination of aggressive sales tactics, lies and half-truths, according to Computerworld.

“Cold callers pose as computer support technicians, most often claiming to be from Microsoft, and try to trick victims into believing that their computer is infected, usually by having them look at a Windows log that typically shows scores of harmless or low-level errors. At that point, the sale pitch starts, with the caller trying to convince the consumer or business worker to download software or let the “technician” remotely access the PC.”

Federal Trade Commission officials advise the public to make sure you know who is getting your personal or financial information. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact or know who you’re dealing with.