SUNBURY —
David S. of Washington Township, Dauhin County, received a phone call Sept. 26 from someone claiming to work for Microsoft. According to state police at Lykens, the telemarketer was able to get enough information from David to access his computer and take control of it from a remote location, compromising all personal information David had stored in his computer.
Troopers report did not specify how the fake Microsoft representative was able to convince David to reveal personal information and file passwords. However, there’s a good chance the caller was claiming David’s computer was infected with viruses and the caller claimed he needed the information in order to fix the computer from afar.
The Federal Trade Commission is well aware of the prevalent scams that not only result in identity thefts, but steal money from worried computer owners who wind up paying for bogus computer “repairs.”
On Oct. 3, federal regulators charged 14 firms and 17 people with impersonating major companies to trick consumers into thinking their computers were plagued by viruses so they could charge hundreds of dollars to fix the problems, according to The Associated Press.
The FTC found the tech-support scams stretch across the world, originating in India and targeting English-speaking people in the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.
The fake telemarketers, claiming to be with a company such as Microsoft or Dell, tell you they’ve detected a virus or malware in your computer and offer to set up security measures or fix the problems remotely for $49 to $450.
“The FTC alleged in lawsuits filed in New York that the companies and individuals violated a federal law prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices, and the agency’s telemarketing sales rule,” reports the AP. “They also illegally called phone numbers listed on the Do Not Call Registry, the FTC said, adding that the companies used 80 different computer domain names and 130 phone numbers to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities.
Named in the lawsuits are: Pecon Software Ltd., Pecon Infotech Ltd., Pecon Software UK Ltd., PCCare247 Inc., PCCare247 Solutions Pvt Ltd., Connexxions Infotech Inc., Connexxions IT Services Pvt Ltd., Zeal IT Solutions Pvt Ltd., Lakshmi Infosoul Services Pvt Ltd., Finmaestros LLC, New World Services Inc., MegaBites Solutions LLC, Greybytes Cybertech P. Ltd. and Shine Solutions Private Ltd.
People are reminded to not give out any personal information to unsolicited people calling and claiming to work for a certain company.
“Businesses generally do not contact people offering their services,” warn state troopers in Lykens.
If someone is trying to gain remote access into your computer, they aren’t going to fix any problems. Rather, they will get access to your bank records, credit card numbers and anything else they can use to rip you off.
And if you send them money to “fix the problem,” the damage will only be compounded.
News
You’ve got malware
Don’t believe tech callers with virus antidotes
- News
-
-
Couple face charges in stabbings prompted by 'Idol' dispute
YORK — A couple face charges after police in York County say they stabbed each other during an argument over which contestant should win 'American Idol.'
-
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Route 147 just south of Interstate 80
MILTON - One of the southbound lanes of Route 147 is closed just south of Intersate 80 this morning following a truck fire.
-
Monroe Township sewing factory may get to rebuild
SELINSGROVE — The Monroe Township supervisors are working on a proposal that may allow EMS Surgical Equipment to rebuild its sewing factory, which was destroyed by fire in February on a nearby lot.
-
Danville to share information on new cyber program at June parent session
A parent information session for the Danville school district’s new cyber program will be held June 3 at 6 p.m. in the Danville High School cafeteria.
-
Governor says distribution center near Hazleton will bring jobs
HAZLETON — Gov. Tom Corbett says American Eagle Outfitters Inc. is planning a $160 million-plus distribution center near Hazleton that is projected to generate nearly 400 jobs.
-
House panel moves to curb military sexual assaults
WASHINGTON — Members of a House panel angry over sexual abuse problems in the military are set to vote on a bill that would strip commanding officers of their authority to unilaterally change or dismiss court-martial convictions — a change that lawmakers believe will lead to a cultural shift that encourages more victims to step forward.
-
Pennsylvania Constitution Center to display Bill of Rights
PHILADELPHIA — One of the 12 surviving copies of the Bill of Rights that may have been pilfered from Pennsylvania in the late 1800s will be on display in Philadelphia for three years, beginning with the 225th anniversary next year of the drafting of the country’s highest ideals.
-
Public info meeting on Rail Trail extension takes place tomorrow
LEWISBURG -- Rail Trail fans, listen up: An informational meeting on the proposed extension of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail into Lewisburg borough takes place 7 p.m. tomorrow at the William Cameron Engine Co's. training facility at North Fifth Street and Buffalo Road.
-
Gas line break forces one-hour evacuation in Milton
MILTON — Residents in Milton were forced out of their homes for over an hour this morning after a contractor working on Carr Avenue hit a gas line, according to UGI.
-
Today's Top Videos
-
Lewisburg schools lockdown lifted within 20 minutes this morning
LEWISBURG - Schools in the Lewisburg Area School District were locked down briefly this morning due to "a potential threat," according to the district's alert system.
-
Long-time Beavertown mayor ousted by 14 votes
Political newcomer Lee Hollenbach Jr. defeated incumbent Mayor Cloyd “Bill” Wagner in Tuesday night’s Republican primary.
-
Dunkleberger wins Republican primary for prothonotary
Justin Dunkelberger defeated Jamie Saleski 2,744-2,124 in a hotly contested Republican primary election Tuesday night for Northumberland County prothonotary and clerk of courts.
-
Persing wins Republican nod for mayor
Incumbent Mayor David Persing, who fought off repeated allegations in recent months by challenger Julie Brosius, won the Republican nomination by a landslide in Tuesday’s primary election.
-
10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
-
FBI: Man fatally shot in Boston bombing probe
ORLANDO, Fla. — A man being questioned in the Boston Marathon bombing case was shot to death at his home by an FBI agent today after turning violent, officials said.
-
Fire destroys $60G cottage in Union County
WINFIELD — A fire swept through a Winfield home while its occupants were at work Tuesday.
-
2013 Primary Election - Top Races
Unofficial primary election returns
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts
Republican
Justin R. Dunkelberger 2,744
Jamie Saleski 2,124100 percent reporting
Magisterial District Judge
08-3-02, Milton
Republican
Larry Redington 496
Mike Diehl 684
Lisa A. Riley 328
Seth M. Cotner 132
Democrat
Larry Regington 182
Seth M. Cotner 90
Mike Diehl 221Lisa A. Riley 218
100 percent reporting
Sunbury Mayor
Republican
Julie Brosius 200
David L. Persing 378100 percent reporting
Sunbury Treasurer
Republican
Stanley E. Geiswhite 176
Kevin E. Troup 388
100 percent reportingUNION COUNTY
County Coroner
Republican
Tod M. Steese 542
Dominick T. Adamo 1,04963 percent reporting
Gregg Township
Alcohol Sales: Do you favor the granting of liquor license for the sale of liquor in the Township of Gregg?
Yes 82
No 72
100 percent reporting - More News Headlines
-
Couple face charges in stabbings prompted by 'Idol' dispute
