OCTOBER 9, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE #19-1009-2
CONTACT: SHERIFF TIM MORSE @ 785-364-2251
MICROSOFT SCAM
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office wants to notify the public about a Microsoft scam. Individuals need to be alert for scammers that are calling and messaging victims claiming to be representatives of Microsoft. If an icon pops up on your computer asking you to call a number claiming to be Microsoft, do not call the number.
Scammers are telling potential victims they work for Microsoft, and that the victim needs to call the number provided to stop individuals who are trying to fraudulently get into the victim’s computer. Once the victim calls the number, the individual explains that they are trying to catch those responsible for trying to hack the victim’s computer, and that they need the victim to send money to fictitious individuals in various places. Scammers may claim to be working with the FBI, Interpol, Scotland Yard, and a variety of federal and foreign agencies. The victim is then asked to send cash to these places so “law enforcement” can arrest the individuals.
Microsoft will not ask anyone to assist with their fraud protection practices. Law enforcement will not have individuals use personal money to catch criminals. Any time you are asked to send cash via parcel service, it is a scam. If you are asked to put money on “gift cards,” it is fraud. If this happens, contact law enforcement immediately. Never give out personal information to individuals calling or emailing you. If you are in question whether a transaction is legitimate or not, contact law enforcement prior to sending any type of funds.
There are numerous types of scams, and many of them are very similar in nature. Citizens must be aware once you send funds to a scammer, it is almost impossible for law enforcement to ever retrieve those funds since many of these scams originate from foreign countries. Individuals have recently reported to have lost tens of thousands of dollars by this scam.