Microsoft warns Singaporeans of phone scam

Microsoft has warned Singaporeans of a phone scam that has been making its rounds in Asia.

These scammers, claiming to be Microsoft representatives or contractors, will inform victims though a phone call that that they are investigating a computer problem, infection or a virus. Victims would be asked to seek help by visiting a website that allows perpetrators to take remote control of their PCs.

According to a Microsoft media statement today, the cold callers will spend some time on the computer trying to demonstrate where the “problems” are and convince victims to pay a fee for a service that will fix the PC.

Freddy Tan, Microsoft’s security strategist for Asia Pacific, said: “In reality, there may be nothing wrong with their computer but the scammer has tricked the consumer into believing there is a problem and that paying the fee is the best way to get it fixed. Often they will also push the customer to buy a one-year computer maintenance subscription. They are just trying to get innocent victims to hand over their money.

Tan clarified that Microsoft is not cold-calling consumers pertaining to malfunctioning PCs, viruses or any other matter. It also does not call consumers or send unsolicited e-mail requesting personal and financial information.

“We strongly advise Singaporeans to simply hang up if they receive a call of this nature and not to respond to any communications from these scammers,” he said.

“Some scammers take advantage of security vulnerabilities caused by computer systems that are not properly updated. Counterfeit or non-genuine software usually have their updating function switched off and this results in a highly vulnerable machine that is easy for scammers to exploit,” he added.

Last August, Microsoft also issued a similar advisory for its Australian customers.