Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Jeannie described herself as a skeptical person, but even she fell victim to a computer scam.

Hackers are tricking people into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data. They call potential victims, offering help to correct a computer problem.

“I got a call from a man who said he was a Microsoft windows consultant,” Jeannie said. “He said I had an infection in my computer and he needed to get in that file and clean it up."

But Jeannie isn’t the only victim. The Better Business Bureau reports many people have fallen for the scam.

Robbie Namee, BBB spokeswoman, said the scammer also tries to get credit card information to pay for the service.

“Once you log them you are giving them access to your computer,” Namee said. “If you keep your checking and savings account banking, you are giving them access to that information."

Namee suggests hanging up on suspicious callers asking for access to computer information. Those who have already fallen victim should turn off their computer, to keep scammers from monitoring personal sites. A computer service company can delete the malware.