Microsoft takes on tech support scammers

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Jack

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US software giant Microsoft is suing alleged scammers who phone people pretending to represent the firm and offer bogus technology support.

The callers ask to take over a home computer and demand money to fix it. Some then install viruses as well.

The software company said it had received more than 65,000 complaints about tech support scams since May.

It is taking legal action against several firms it accuses of misusing its name in such cases.

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The scam has been around for decades with callers peddling useless security software and tricking people into spending hundreds of pounds (or dollars) to solve non-existent computer problems.

Increasingly, the bogus technicians are gaining access to people's computers remotely.

From there they can also steal personal and financial information and install malware.

In some cases people are tricked into signing up for support via fake web ads. Others receive a direct telephone call from a technician claiming to represent Microsoft.

Microsoft has warned that scammers are likely to be active over the Christmas period.

"The holiday season is a popular time for scammers as more people engage in online activities, including shopping, donating to charity and searching for travel deals," it said.

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30548029
 
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