Scams

“Critical Alert” message that may appear while you are web browsing claims that your computer has been blocked due to virus and spyware infections and your personal information is being stolen. It urges you to call a listed support number immediately to get help with the problem. The page that triggers the popup appears to be part of the Microsoft website and features Microsoft logos, banners, and links.

Facebook Page claims that, “for the first time in Facebook history”, you can win a 2016 Toyota 4Runner by liking the Page and liking, sharing, and commenting on a “prize” post.

Circulating Facebook Post claims that, “for the first time in history”, you can win a 2016 Honda Civic Hatch by liking the post and the Facebook Page it comes from, sharing the post, and adding a comment specifying your “dream Honda car”.

“Breaking news” post circulating via social media claims that popular US actor Brad Pitt has been found dead. The post purports to be from Fox News.

Post being shared on Facebook claims that you can click to get a free 52 inch “unsealed” LED TV.

Email purporting to be from Apple claims to be an invoice for a monthly Apple Music Membership subscription. It includes a link that you can supposedly click to cancel the subscription.

Email purporting to be from Microsoft claims that your Microsoft account requires an immediate verification process to avoid termination and you must therefore reply with your password and other personal information.

Email purporting to be from UK bank Lloyds claims that the bank was unable to process your transaction summary statement of accounts and you will therefore need to immediately click a link to confirm and update your billing information.

Tech support phone scams have now been targeting Internet users around the world for a number of years. Despite widespread publicity about these scams, they continue to gain new victims every day.