Another Scam Hits East Texas

TYLER — A phone scam targeting East Texans is on the rise. The scam artists are calling mobile or land lines claiming to be from the computer company Microsoft. They say they are from “Windows” or the “Windows help desk.” Their most recent target was Mack Barton of Tyler.

According to KETK, Barton says the scammers told him they were going to clean out the viruses in his computer from their remote location for free. However, Barton says by the end of the conversation they told him he had numerous viruses and he needed to pay the $250 fee to clear them and install protective software. But, after calling someone to his home to look at his computer a week later he realized he was scammed. He had to cancel his credit cards, and clear out his computer. Now he just wants the East Texas community to know about the scam so they don’t fall victim too.

The BBB says, Microsoft’s Online Safety and Security Centre states that neither Microsoft nor its partners make unsolicited phone calls. Go through your service provider directly. To help protect your computer from viruses make sure you have virus detection software installed on your computer. This software can also help identify if a virus appears on your computer. And don’t take cold calls.