Police warn of ‘rebound’ in scams impersonating Microsoft

Police warn of 'rebound' in scams impersonating Microsoft

CREDIT: Policia Nacional

The Higher HQ of the National Police in Aragon has warned of a ‘rebound’ in scams impersonating Microsoft.


THE scammers reportedly make phone calls using random dialing devices to unknown people, posing as Microsoft technicians and requesting access to the computer, which is supposedly affected by a virus.

Prompted by the con artists, the victim installs a remote control program on their computer with which the alleged scammers seize keys, passwords and other sensitive information, the National Police said in a statement.

Before ending the call, the bogus technicians ask their victim for a small amount of money to resolve the problem, for which they ask for a credit card number.

The keys, passwords and sensitive information captured, added to the numbers of the card provided by the victim, make it possible to for them to scam cash.

Spokeswoman for the Higher Police HQ of Aragon, Rocío Gracia, has warned that Microsoft would NOT initiate contact with a client under any circumstances without their service having been requested in advance.

She advised anybody who receives a suspect call of this nature to immediately hang up.

On a more sinister level, since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a surge in the number of scams detected which try to prey on people in need by offering aid.

Website Maldita.es has warned of ‘phishing’ scams offering aid in which the victims receive e-mails or messages claiming to be from charities or institutions, in which they supposedly offer aid to families in need.

They request data which, once provided, is used by the scammers to show targeted advertising.


Thank you for taking the time to read this news article “Police warn of ‘rebound’ in scams impersonating Microsoft”. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.

Author badge placeholder
Written by

Tara Rippin

Tara Rippin is a reporter for Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper, Euro Weekly News, and is responsible for the Costa Blanca region.
She has been in journalism for more than 20 years, having worked for local newspapers in the Midlands, UK, before relocating to Spain in 1990.
Since arriving, the mother-of-one has made her home on the Costa Blanca, while spending 18 months at the EWN head office in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
She loves being part of a community that has a wonderful expat and Spanish mix, and strives to bring the latest and most relevant news to EWN’s loyal and valued readers.

Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments