Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
Many of our customers have been got with some of these scams and we just want to put out some information to help you recognize a scam.
Cybercriminals often use the names of well-known companies, like Microsoft, in their scams. They think it will convince you to give them money or your personal information. While they usually use email to trick you, they sometimes use the telephone, instead.
Common scams that use the Microsoft name
• Someone from "Microsoft Tech Support" calls to fix your computer
• "You have won the Microsoft Lottery"
• Microsoft "requires credit card information to validate your copy of Windows"
• "Microsoft" sends unsolicited email messages with attached security updates
Avoid these dangerous hoaxes
Microsoft do not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer.
Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer
In this scam cybercriminals call you and claim to be from Microsoft Tech Support. They offer to help solve your computer problems. Once the crooks have gained your trust, they attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malicious software including viruses and spyware.
Although law enforcement can trace phone numbers, perpetrators often use pay phones, disposable cellular phones, or stolen cellular phone numbers. It's better to avoid being conned rather than try to repair the damage afterwards.
Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Do not provide any personal information.
If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Tech Support, hang up. We do not make these kinds of calls.
You have not won the "Microsoft Lottery"
Microsoft customers are often targets of a scam that uses email messages to falsely promise money. Victims receive messages claiming "You have won the Microsoft Lottery!" There is no Microsoft Lottery. Delete the message.
If you have lost money to this scam, report it. You can also send the police report to Microsoft and we will use it to help law enforcement catch the criminals who send out these e-mail messages.
Microsoft does not request credit card information to validate your copy of Windows
We require that your copy of Windows is legitimate before you can obtain programs from the Microsoft Download Center or receive software updates from Microsoft Update. Our online process that performs this validation is called the Genuine Advantage Program. At no time during the validation process do we request your credit card information.
In fact, Microsoft do not collect information that can be used to identify you such as your name, email address, or other personal details.
Microsoft does not send unsolicited communication about security updates
When Microsoft release information about a security software update or a security incident, we send email messages only to subscribers of our security communications program.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals have exploited this program by sending fake security communications that appear to be from Microsoft. Some messages lure recipients to websites to download spyware or other malicious software. Others include a file attachment that contains a virus. Delete the message. Do not open the attachment.
If you believe you have been got by a scam the first thing you should do is call your credit card company and get a hold on your account.
If you receive one of these call's and you believe it is a scam, the best thing to do is to hang up the call. If you are not sure of the legitimacy of the call, please give us a call and we will verify if it is legitimate.
If you require any more information or have any questions please give us a call.