Cold-calling computer virus scam could be costing Kiwis $10m

New Zealanders are being called on to spread the word about a cold-calling computer-virus scam, which may be costing Kiwis $10 million.

It is now the largest phone scam reported in New Zealand and could be costing the country up to $10 million, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ Scamwatch service says.

Scammers pretending to be from a computer repair company call and trick people into thinking their computer has a virus. The scammers then request remote access to the computer and charge the victim for ‘computer repair software’.

Scamwatch spokesman Jarrod Rendle says, based on scam reports and research, an estimated 30 per cent of New Zealand adults have been phoned with this computer virus scam.

“Our reports show one in 20 recipients are falling for this scam, losing an average of $200 each time. Based on the New Zealand population, up to $10 million dollars could have been swindled out of unsuspecting Kiwis.

“The message is simple: If someone calls you to say your computer has a virus or problem, it is a scam and you should hang up straight away.

“Tell everyone you know about this scam. Share it with your friends, tweet about it, write a letter to your grandparents. However you do it, spread the word, so New Zealand can, as a country, tell these scammers that we’ve had enough and we’re not falling for their trickery,” says Mr Rendle.

The scammers often claimed to be from Microsoft, and Microsoft New Zealand has teamed up with Scamwatch to set the record straight.

“Microsoft does not cold call customers about security incidents,” says Microsoft New Zealand’s National Technology Officer Dr Mark Rees. “If you receive this type of call hang up, do not start a conversation with the caller or ring them back. You should never let strangers remotely access your computer.”

Trade Me and advertising company Y&R are also supporting Scamwatch with a weeklong campaign encouraging New Zealanders to spread the word about this scam.

The cold-calling computer virus scam has been experienced worldwide and Scamwatch has received reports of it throughout New Zealand.

Victims lose anywhere from $40 to $500 in this scam, but Mr Rendle warns the costs could be higher.

“Once the scammer has access to a computer they can use your data to steal your identity, record details like bank passwords, or use your computer to send out spam emails to friends and family.

“If you have been scammed, talk to a tech-savvy friend or take your computer to a genuine computer repair store.”

Share your experiences at www.facebook.com/consumeraffairsnz and find out more about the scam at www.scamwatch.govt.nz. If you receive this scam, you can report it at www.theorb.org.nz.

ENDS