FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 26, 2023

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley warns South Dakotans to be vigilant for a Pop-Up Computer Repair Scam that has been reported in the state.

“Sadly, a South Dakotan lost $30,000 because of this scam,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This scam preys on the person’s fear that their computer is infected, and they need to pay for the repair and clear up other accounts.”

The Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection recently has received several calls from consumers statewide about this scam that starts with a pop-up message indicating the person’s computer has been infected and appears to have their computer locked up. The pop-up message contains a number to call.  When the number is called, the entity claims to be with Microsoft, Dell, Google or other well-known entities. 

During the call, the scammer works to convince the consumer that their financial accounts have been compromised and need to be emptied to safeguard the funds. The scammer will use known names such as the U.S. Department of Treasury, the IRS, and Social Security to make the action seem more real. The victim is instructed by the scammer not to tell anyone about this action and are told how to get the money to a representative of the so-called computer company. 

“This is the work of an unscrupulous scammer,” said Attorney General Jackley. “These scams are detrimental to our consumers, financially and emotionally,”

Tips to avoid being a victim of the “repair” scam:

• A reputable computer company will never contact a user through a pop-up message.
• Obtain as much information about the scammer – name, phone number, time they called, what they said.
• NEVER give or download remote access to your computer.
• Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
• If you are concerned with your computer’s security, go to a reputable retailer or repair shop locally.
• Keep family members aware of what you are doing.

People who receive such calls are encouraged to contact the Division of Consumer Protection at consumerhelp@state.sd.us or call 1-800-300-1986 or 605-773-4400.

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