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The original item was published from 7/31/2013 12:28:57 PM to 8/9/2013 12:10:00 AM.

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Police

Posted on: July 31, 2013

[ARCHIVED] Police Warn of "Windows" Virus Scam

On Tuesday, July 30th, 2013, Dubuque Police took a report from a Dubuque senior citizen who received a suspicious call from a person claiming to be with Microsoft (Windows), indicating her computer had been infected by a virus.

On Tuesday, July 30th, 2013, Dubuque Police took a report from a Dubuque senior citizen who received a suspicious call from a person claiming to be with Microsoft (Windows), indicating her computer had been infected by a virus. The caller advised he could remedy the situation if the victim paid a “service call fee” by providing debit card information. The victim did so, and upon learning this was a scam, attempted to stop payment and freeze account activity, but had already lost over $1,400 via 5 fraudulent withdrawals through Western Union. Attempts to trace the caller’s number were unsuccessful, and almost always are due to a variety of readily available means in which to utilize fictitious or otherwise untraceable numbers. As a reminder, called ID is not entirely reliable in determining the source of the call.

Citizens are again reminded to be very cautious when fielding unsolicited phone calls and/or online/email inquiries in which they are prompted to provide ANY information – but especially personal/account/PIN information. Legitimate companies will not request this information via unsolicited phone/online correspondence. Scams vary in nature and are constantly evolving, but prevention remains the same. Always take the time to ask questions and verify the legitimacy of such inquiries. When in doubt, cease communication and do not provide any information until the requesting party has been completely and undoubtedly verified as legitimate.

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