The IC3 has produced Scam Alerts advising the public of an ongoing telephone scam in which callers purport to be an employee of a major software company. The callers have very strong accents, most referred to as “Indian.” The callers report the users’ computers are sending error messages and a virus has been detected. The victims are convinced to allow the caller remote access to their computer. As the victims’ computers are searched, the caller points out infected files. The victims are advised that the virus can be removed for a fee and are asked to provide their credit card information. Whether the users pay for the removal of the virus or not, many reported difficulties with their computers afterwards.
The subjects of this scheme have devised yet another avenue to further defraud victims. Fraudsters are now calling those who had recently purchased software and offering them a refund within three to four months of the purchase. The callers are still described as having “a strong Indian accent.” In some cases, the victims were asked if they were satisfied with the service they received. When the response was negative the caller offered a refund. Other victims were told the company was going out of business and therefore the victim was due a refund. Some were advised they needed to complete a form, at which time the caller asked for remote access to assist in the completion of the form. The caller said the fastest method for a refund was to use the card from the original purchase and wire the money. At this point, the caller helped the victims open an account via a wire transfer company to receive their refund. The victims later discovered funds were taken from their accounts and wired to India..
