Phone calls about computers are a scam
The Yukon RCMP have issued a warning about a computer scam that appears to have made its way to the territory.
The Yukon RCMP have issued a warning about a computer scam that appears to have made its way to the territory.
Police said last Friday several Yukon residents have received a telephone call from someone purporting to represent "STARTECH”, warning that their computers were infected with malware, making them vulnerable to identity theft.
A deal is typically offered to repair the computer malware and spyware for several hundred dollars. The victim is then directed to an IP address where he or she is asked for personal and banking information.
In the past, scammers have called consumers saying they represent other large companies such as Microsoft, using the same approach.
The catch: there was never anything wrong with the computer, the caller was not working for the company claimed, and the owner has given a complete stranger access to every piece of data on his or her computer.
Additionally, the computer may well have malicious software installed at this time, enabling someone to capture sensitive data such as names, passwords and banking information.
The virus scam has grown to epidemic proportions in Canada, now accounting for between 70 and 80 per cent of frauds reported daily to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, police say.
The RCMP are reminding Yukoners that they will not receive unsolicited phone calls from companies in this manner.
Police are offering a number of tips to protect yourself from this scam and others like it:
People should treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Check with the organization directly that the caller is claiming to be from, using contact numbers found on their website.
Many such scams start after responses to Internet pop-up ads for anti-virus software, with similar results.
Do not provide any personal information. Many of these scam calls are an attempt to steal your identity, not just your money. Do not provide personal information over the phone.
Never provide credit or debit card information for payment unless you have initiated the call and know the company.
Look for the "lock” icon and the https:// connection to make sure that you have a safe connection.
Be proactive, use anti-virus software that you have acquired from reputable sources and keep it up to date.
For information on this and other scams, residents can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at phonebusters.com.
Comments (9)
Up 0 Down 0
odran gilheany on Jan 28, 2017 at 9:22 pm
I am in the USA and was in Dawson back in 1968 I read an article I think in your paper about a Texan buying an old building and finding gold in the sub floor. Any chance of getting that article or information about it? It may have been another paper - a friend sent it to me from Alberta and I lost it. If you can help me I will have the little people bless you.
Admin note: The Whitehorse Star has microfilm of all their newspapers back to 1901. The article you describe can be researched but it will take some time. Have patience and we'll get back to you.
Up 0 Down 0
bobby bitman on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:11 am
Dan, a few years ago I went along with their scam and gave them a fake credit card number. They contacted me again saying the number did not go through, I gave them another fake number. The third time I let them have it with both guns and told them what utter scum they are and that ya, I enjoyed very much wasting their time and dashing their hopes of ripping me off. The man actually got irate and wailed, "Why do you DO this to me?!" Ha ha ha ha! It was great! So go ahead and mess with these fools if you happen to have some time on your hands. It's fun. No doubt they celebrate the big score and then have to admit they were had and pay the bills, so it's a great way to deal with these low life thieves.
Up 0 Down 0
Dan Nickason on Jan 30, 2012 at 12:33 am
Personally I keep the crank call people on the line as long as I can. I don't give them any factual information. I start talking about the weather, their family, where they are etc. Sometimes I tell them I don't live here I just broke into the place or that the person they are asking for just died this morning. If it is about a computer I tell them mine is very old and would they please send me a new one. I have had them hang up on me and tell me to f___ off. I am getting fewer calls now, I wonder why.
Up 0 Down 0
Doug Rutherford on Jan 28, 2012 at 6:18 am
Francis, if the phone call was from some company that says you have a virus and they will fix that, remember that no company monitors broadcasting for viruses. If the notification came from your internet service provider, then that is probably the only legitimate possibility and you have probably been taken.
For those curious, the "Windows" people calling about your virused computer use the phone number 999-910-0103.
Up 0 Down 0
Yukon Hootch on Jan 27, 2012 at 4:07 am
Lol Francias… in a few months let's see if your credit score is going to be as positive as you are now!
Up 0 Down 0
Sgt Don Rogers on Jan 25, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Thats great Francias but I can assure you and others that there are many of these calls that are scams. I was called and when I told them I was a Police Officer and to stay on the line while i traced the call, they said sorry and hung up. Please don't diminish the risk that is out there for others especially the seniors who are often at more risk. Have a great day!
Up 0 Down 0
flyingfur on Jan 25, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Francias: Really. Hopefully it was not the same people that I spoke to and that the RCMP are warning people about. I also hope nobody takes your assurances as advice to allow someone to access your computer by requesting to do so over the telephone. Not very smart.
Up 0 Down 0
Joel on Jan 25, 2012 at 10:22 am
Good job Francias....you are one in a million!
Up 0 Down 0
Francias Pillman on Jan 24, 2012 at 11:21 am
I got a call the other day similar to this. I can assure you it is not a scam. I indeed had a virus and it was quickly fixed.