FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Tuesday, August 27, 2013
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

 
Computer Scam Resurfaces and Targets South Dakota Consumers

PIERRE, S.D  - Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning consumers of a computer scam that has resurfaced in South Dakota. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has received several complaints from consumers indicated that they had received a telephone call from someone posing as a well-known computer company. These fake security experts claim that the computers are at risk for security threats and offer to help solve the problem. These so-called experts then ask you to perform a variety of tasks to help prevent bogus threats and allow them to have remote access to the computer. They work to download malware or ask for personal identifying information.

“Acting as a well-known company, these scam artists have created the perfect scheme to gather information off of your computer, including your personal information like bank account numbers, passwords or login identification,” said Jackley. “We recommend that you do not provide personal identifying information to any unsolicited source.”

If you receive a call from someone claiming to want to help you fix your computer, follow this advice:
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls questioning the security on your home computer, even if the caller claims to be from a well-known computer company.
• Do not provide personal identifying information to any unsolicited caller.
• Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from any unsolicited caller.
• Make sure you have the latest security updates installed on your computer and always use a strong, unique password and change it regularly.

If you feel you have been a victim of this scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us.
 
 

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