PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning consumers of a computer scam that has surfaced in South Dakota. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has received complaints from legitimate South Dakota computer repair businesses who have received personal computers with numerous security problems. When asked how these problems occurred, each individual indicated that they had received a telephone call from someone posing as a well-known computer company. These fake security experts claim that the computers are at risk for security threats and offer to help solve the problem. These so-called experts then ask you to perform a variety of tasks to help prevent bogus threats and allow them to have remote access to the computer. They work to download malware or ask for personal identifying information.
“This is another clear example of why consumers need to be extremely cautious about providing sensitive financial information,” said Jackley.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to want to help you fix your computer, follow this advice:
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls questioning the security on your home computer, even if the caller claims to be from a well-known computer company.
• Do not provide personal identifying information to any unsolicited caller.
• Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from any unsolicited caller.
• Make sure you have the latest security updates installed on your computer and always use a strong, unique password and change it regularly.
If you feel you have been a victim of this scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us.