Microsoft warns against imposters calling you on the phone
The manipulative conmen present themselves as Microsoft staff. They claim there is a problem with your computer and try to convince you to start it up. They next try to install harmful software on your computer from a distance. Once this is done, they start blackmailing their victims, demanding money to remove it again.
"People are being called, often by someone who speaks English", explains Kathleen De Waele of Microsoft. "You are asked to speak English. You can distinguish a clear Indian accent. They ask you to switch on your PC on, in order to go through a certain procedure. In the meantime, they install malware on your computer. Then they warn you there is something wrong, and that you need their help to solve the problem."
"This type of scam is not new, but it is popping up again in Belgium. Taking into account the number of e-mails and phone calls coming in, we can say that the fraudsters are seriously targeting Belgium again."
"We can only warn the people"
Microsoft stresses it will never call clients, and advises to hang up immediately. Those that do get trapped, are advised to report this to the federal police. "Unfortunately, we cannot do much ourselves. We can only warn people", says Kathleen De Waele.
There are no exact figures about the number of Belgian victims. Microsoft is still considering whether to take legal steps. "If the problem remains this big, chances mount that we will take action."