Over the years, creators of viruses have become smarter with not only what they attack but how they attack. From secretly hiding in your registry to showing up as a simple executable file that you think is harmless. There are many situations where you think you are covered and are protected with the latest anti-virus software until the hackers find a different way to compromise your data and sneak viruses onto your computers.

A new social-engineering scam is currently targeting PCs and targeting them worldwide. However, what makes this different is the fact that is doesn’t use a computer to give you the virus but it all starts with a phone call that could seem legitimate such as Microsoft. What then happens is the victim is told by the person on the phone for the primary computer in the household and information on it. After giving away this information, the company on the other land tells the individual that there home computer is infected with a virus and offers steps to correct the issue. After being willing to resolve the issue, the victim helplessly clicks a link in order to give the Microsoft Tech remote control of the PC thus installing a virus onto their PC.

Many legitimate companies which use remote software are offering warnings to consumers to be aware of this scam. Along with the warning, they made available sample scripts that the scammers would use in order to trick the consumer into downloading harmful information to their computer. After the company tells you of the virus you have on your PC, they will then offer to correct the issue for a minimal fee by asking for your credit card information over the phone. Many have concerns that once the software is installed, it gives them unlimited access to your files and personal information which is a legitimate concern. Once access is granted, it is impossible to know what they can see and what they can’t.

The most important way to keep yourself from becoming the victim is understand what is legitimate and what is not. If they ask for your credit card over the phone, then normally they are not a legitimate organization, especially if you have never heard of them before.

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