The wave of online scams continues. Cybercriminals are looking for new ways to access data and credentials of their victims. This time, the scammers are contacting people through a call impersonating Microsoft support.
The National Police has put the population on alert warning that it is a fraud and that it is not necessary to fall for the scam. This is a well-structured hoax. The first objective of cybercriminals is to achieve telephone contact with their potential victim, since this will be the channel used to request and obtain access to the information and device.
What is the scam about?
As explained by the Internet Security Office, the victim receives a call on the mobile phone. When the person answers, the scammers identify themselves, in English or Spanish, as a Microsoft support service and report that the device is at risk and urgent action is needed.
Cybercriminals urge the victim to follow their instructions, even if the person refuses to follow their commands they become angry and more insistent.
If the victim falls for the scam, a web browser error, apparent system prompt, or other pop-up window will appear. Along with the text of the warning, a telephone number for help is provided.
The cybercriminals then encourage the person to install a remote access program in order to fix the problem. If this program is installed, scammers will be given a free pass to access all important data on your computer. Even the victim will be able to see how they enter their folders, their social networks and make online purchases with their credentials without being able to avoid it, since control of the computer will be in the hands of the criminals.