If you are still running Windows 7, this is what a legitimate pop-up window will look like. Be wary of scam pop-ups!
We have been talking about the end of Windows 7 support for some time now. If you have not updated your operating system to Windows 10, you need to be extra careful. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 on January 14th, which means they will no longer offer patches or security updates for Windows 7 computers. Hackers and scammers can use this as a new way to gain access to data for any individual or organization still running the old operating system. In addition to exploiting known vulnerabilities, it is the perfect opportunity for scammers to come up with some new tricks to take advantage of people using the outdated software!
Scammers are contacting users and posing as Microsoft employees. Users could be contacted by telephone or via a pop-up window that asks them to click on a link or call a phone number for support. Unsuspecting victims could assume that Microsoft is deploying this through their own software and it must be legitimate. It is not! Often they want access to your computer so they can install unfriendly software and work remotely without your permission.
BEWARE! Important things to know:
- Microsoft will NEVER call you to open a support ticket. Support tickets ALWAYS have to be initiated by the consumer.
- Never give your credit card, banking, or other payment information over the phone to someone calling you about support or who you called from a pop-up warning.
- Aside from the pop-up shown above, computer pop-ups can be deceiving. If you are suddenly alerted to an urgent need to update or upgrade software, contact us. It may be a scam.
Should any of these scenarios come up, call us immediately at 508-478-6010. We can help you determine if you are being scammed, help you determine if you have been compromised or help you upgrade your system to Windows 10.
