14 DAY TRIAL // Both Internet Explorer 9 and 10 received security updates in the past two weeks, but phone scammers are still trying to take the most out of this fiasco.
Microsoft released an advisory aimed at Windows users, alerting them that phone scammers are now calling people, offering to help fix vulnerable computers via remote tools.
“Scammers will often use news items (especially those relating to computer security) to try to trick you into downloading malicious software or to steal your personal information. Scammers claiming to be from Microsoft might also contact you by phone and offer to help fix your computer,” Microsoft said in the advisory.
Basically, these phone scammers try to convince you that they’re working for Microsoft, so granting them access to your computer may sound like a pretty good idea. Most of them claim that your system is vulnerable, so they offer to install various patches to prevent any potential attack.
Of course, Microsoft recommends users to hang up or, in case you want to report the scam, to contact the FTC (only if you are living in the United States though).
“If you receive a phone call about the recent Internet Explorer update or about another technical support issue, hang up. If you’re in the United States and you want to report the scam, the best place to report phone fraud is the Federal Trade Commission,” the company added.
On the other hand, if you’re an Internet Explorer user and you still haven’t patched your browser, click here to download the IE9 fix or here to get the IE10 update that repairs the recently discovered Flash bug.