Overview
- State criminal police describe active phone fraud using Microsoft or PayPal impersonation, including robocalls that connect victims to a supposed representative after a key press.
- Fake Microsoft warnings can appear at startup, lock the Windows screen, and display a phone number that urges immediate contact.
- Victims are pushed to install remote‑access software, enabling criminals to enter the computer and harvest passwords, credit card details, and online‑banking credentials.
- Payments are frequently solicited through gift or prepaid cards or via advance bank transfers tied to fabricated problems or promises.
- Consumer advisers recommend ending such contacts immediately, not calling displayed numbers or installing software, and using provider tools to block and report suspicious calls.