Your Daily Computer Brief

🔴 ALERT

Your phone rings. The caller says they are from Microsoft or Windows Support. They claim your computer has a virus, a security problem, or an expired license — and they need remote access to fix it. Sometimes they ask for a credit card or gift cards to "renew" your protection. This is a scam. Every single time. Microsoft does not call people out of the blue. They do not monitor your computer for viruses. They do not need remote access to fix anything. The person on the phone is a criminal trying to steal your money, your passwords, or both. What to do: Hang up immediately. Do not give them remote access. Do not read them any codes from your screen. Do not buy gift cards. If you are worried about your computer, call someone you trust — or bring it to a local shop you know. The rule: No legitimate company calls you to say your computer is infected. If someone calls claiming to be tech support, it is a scam. Period. Source: Federal Trade Commission — "How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams" (consumer.ftc.gov)