Can your computer catch a virus from a phone conversation?

The answer, actually, is “sort of”. In a devilishly simple twist on the classic scareware exploit, scammers are contacting potential victims by phone–literally by cold calling them. When the scammer reaches a live user, the user is told that an alert from Microsoft (or some other trusted company) indicates that the user’s computer is at risk. The scammer will ask the user to go to their computer and download a tool. The scammer will claim that the tool will diagnose the security risks on the computer. In reality, the tool opens and back door for the scammer to access the user’s computer, and it installs traditional scareware–software designed to frighten users into paying money to fix trumped-up or non-existant security risks. Traditionally scareware has imitated traditional anti-virus and security software, taking advantage of the user’s familiarity with such tools.

Similarly, the cold call scareware scam takes advantage of users’ increasing confidence and reliance on remote computer support, by imitating a traditional IT company. Although most users will sense that the cold caller can not be trusted, many are fooled–the combination of the scareware and pressure sales tactics by the scammer make it a potent combination.

Additionally, business owners should be alert to this scam and make sure employees are aware of who their legitimate IT vendor is. Even if employees do not offer the scammers a credit card number, the software “tool” the scammer installs can significantly compromise network security by installing spyware, and providing the scammer information on the network’s security systems.. If in doubt about whether a call is legitimate or not, hang up immediately and call your IT provider directly.

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