Scammers portraying themselves as Microsoft employees alerted as a potential threat
In a recent incident reported by regional sources in Böblingen, Germany, a woman fell victim to a fraud scheme where criminals posed as Microsoft employees to steal sensitive data from her laptop. The police authorities in the area are warning the public about this scheme, which involves displaying fake warning messages about computer malfunctions or hacker attacks.
The fraudsters often rely on the push notification function of internet browsers, which can be misused by fraudsters. This function can be found in the browser settings and disabling it can help protect against false alarms from scammers.
The incident occurred on a Wednesday afternoon when the woman received a message about a supposed malfunction on her computer. The fraudster, posing as a Microsoft employee, had access to the woman's laptop from the start of the call. He opened her online banking and claimed to stop an alleged unauthorized transaction if she provided a transaction number (TAN).
Fortunately, the woman became suspicious during the call and ended it immediately. She then contacted her bank, which was crucial in preventing further loss. If you suspect that criminals have accessed your bank account, contact your bank immediately.
It's also important to dial the bank's number yourself to ensure you're not speaking to the fraudsters again. If you've already provided sensitive information to a fraudster, immediately contact your bank and disconnect your device from the internet.
The police advise against giving strangers access to your computer or sensitive data such as TANs or account details. Users should be wary of unsolicited messages about computer issues and never provide sensitive information to unknown individuals.
If you suspect a virus infection, disconnect the device from the internet and consult a professional. The police consultation website for more information about this fraud scheme is www.polizei-beratung.de.
This incident serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and protect your personal information. Always double-check the authenticity of any unsolicited messages or calls, and never share sensitive information with unknown individuals. By following these precautions, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to similar scams.
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