Byrnes Mill Police Chief Gary Dougherty is warning residents about an apparent phone scam.
A Byrnes Mill woman received a call from someone with a foreign accent who claimed to be from the Microsoft Corporation, Dougherty said.
“He told her that her computer had a virus and asked her if he could take over her computer to clean it up,” Dougherty said.
“He probably collected her personal information and then said the charge was $15 and to send it to Western Union,” Dougherty said. “She must have given him her credit card number because immediately several hundred dollars were charged on her account.”
Dougherty said that this is not the first time he had heard about the scam.
“It’s more widespread than just here,” he said.
Dougherty said residents should always verify that the people who call or come to the door are actually affiliated with the company they claim to represent.
“If someone is at your door and claims to be from Ameren, call Ameren. If someone calls and claims to be from Microsoft, get their information and call (Microsoft’s) customer support,” Dougherty said. “Do not give them control of your computer.”
Dougherty said perpetrators of the scam are guilty of both fraud and theft, and residents should be aware that the ruse takes many forms.