Police warn of software phone scam
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE – A software phone scam has been making its rounds, with several victims filing police reports over unknown persons claiming to be from the technical support divisions of major software companies such as Microsoft.
In a news release today (Nov 19), the police spelt out the modus operandi of the scammers.
They would first inform the victims that their computers had been compromised and were being used for illegal online activities. The victims would then be instructed to download and install one or more software available online.
Once the victims complied, the callers would request for the user’s software account identification codes and passwords, and in some cases, ask the victims to key in commands into their computers.
Some victims reported that their computers were remotely controlled from this point.
The next part of the scam involved the callers persuading victims to make online payment or share their credit card details to buy additional software.
The police urged the public to ignore or hang up on callers who raise suspicions.
“Do not follow the instructions of the callers to install any software for your computer or enter any commands,” said a police spokesperson.
Members of the public were also advised against making any payment or divulging their credit card, bank account details, or both, to the callers.
And should anyone have followed the caller’s instructions, the police recommended immediately changing the log-in password to their computer, and all other passwords for their email and social media accounts.
If possible, change the passwords from another computer, instead of the compromised one.
Other safety measures include scanning the computer with an anti-virus or anti-malware software, and to use genuine software that is updated automatically.
Should anyone have information relating to this crime, inform the police through their hotline at 1800-225-0000 or at www.police.gov.sg/CrimeStopper.
