Never give out computer info

Residents should be on alert to a “scam” once again raising its specter in the area.

The “scam” involves receiving a phone call from a supposed Microsoft Virtual Support office wherein the caller, a customer service technician, advises that one’s personal computer has been “tracked”unknowingly downloading malicious as well as virus software.

Having more than 40 years experience in the field of computers, I queried the caller about the problem that I supposedly had with my computer.

But first, I asked the caller to tell me once again who they were and what their phone number was.

The caller once again gave the name of Virtual Support from Microsoft and when I asked for the phone number that she was calling from, she asked “why?” I wanted that number.

In response, I stated that I wanted the name and number so that I could “report” the call to the FBI computer fraud division.

At that point, she disconnected the call. My phone’s “Caller ID” indicated that the call came from (530) 619-3038 and when I attempted to call that number a recorded message from the phone company indicated that number had been disconnected and was no longer in use.

Area residents need to be aware that companies, such as Microsoft, do not initiate such calls and that any calls of this nature are bogus. Reporting them to authorities doesn’t do much good since they are generally routed from outside the country.

When it comes to your “computer,” don’t tell unknown callers anything.

Dr. JOHN IVY

Sandpoint