Local law enforcement personnel are warning the public about a scam involving remote access to a victim’s computer.
A Farley resident told deputies she had received several unsolicited calls for computer technical support. The caller told the woman he wanted to refund some money that she had paid for technical support since his company was unable to resolve her situation. The woman said she didn’t think that she had paid money for technical support, but could not remember for sure. She told deputies the calls were believable because she has had some computer issues.
The scammer convinced the woman to allow him to deposit $2,500 into her checking account. He was then able to gain remote access to her computer. Once connected the scammer had the resident access her online banking account. He transferred money from her savings into her checking account and got all of the information he needed to make a withdrawal from her checking, including her account number and routing number. He then asked her to go buy a money order and transfer part of the money back to him. The woman’s bank was able to intervene before she lost any money.
The local sheriff’s office says they aren’t sure how exactly the scammer got remote access to the woman’s computer, but that it may have been an email containing a program or embedded link. They remind residents that legitimate companies won’t ask for unsolicited remote access to your computer or personal banking information. Anyone who thinks they may have been targeted for a scam like this is asked to contact law enforcement.