克利夫兰及周边地区消息
　

Local woman is robbed

of almost $300,000 in scam

　

By: Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland 
　
BBB Serving Greater Cleveland is warning people to watch out for signs of tech support scams after a woman in Mayfield Heights lost almost $300,000 in a scam. The 72-year-old victim’s case is so serious, even the Department of Justice has become involved.
   The victim clicked on a pop-up window which gave her a number to call. The pop up said calling the number would help her secure bank accounts that had been hacked. Once the victim called, she spoke to many different people. Every person she spoke to called themselves part of the Microsoft fraud team. The scammers even gave the victim fake security identification numbers.
   The scammers convinced the victim to go to Citizens Bank four separate times and send varying amounts to the scammer. The bank teller questioned the victim on one of her visits. The teller continued to transfer the money when the victim said they still wanted it sent.
   BBB Serving Greater Cleveland offers the following tips to protect yourself:
   Look out for warning screens. Nearly half of tech support scams begin with an alert on the victim’s computer screen. This pop-up will have a phone number to call for help. Instead, disconnect from the internet and wi-fi connection by shutting off the device and restarting it with an antiviral scan.
   Real tech support companies don’t make unsolicited phone calls. A popular way for thieves to get in touch with victims is by calling. The callers often claim to be from a tech company.    Scammers can fake their numbers to look like official-looking phone numbers, so don’t trust Caller ID.
   Beware of sponsored links. When searching online for tech support, look out for sponsored ads at the top of the results list. Many of these links lead to businesses that scam consumers.
   Avoid clicking on links in unfamiliar emails. Scammers also use email to reach victims. These messages point consumers to scam websites that display pop-ups with fake warnings and phone numbers.
Do your research. Research tech support companies online at BBB.org learn more about the company, read customer reviews, and more.
Questions Reach out to your BBB at 216.413.5232 or email mybbb@cleveland.bbb.org. For more news and tips visit BBB.org.