Microsoft Tech Support Scam Crackdown - 39 Arrests

Law enforcement officials in India raided 16 call center locations that conned primarily American and Canadian victims. 

Recently, local law enforcement officials in India raided 16 call centers identified by Microsoft as engaging in tech support fraud, pretending to be affiliated with companies including Microsoft, Apple, Google, Dell, and HP. Thirty-nine have been arrested so far.

In a New York Times report, Ajay Pal, Senior Superintendent of police, said the scammers took money from thousands of primarily American and Canadian victims. Microsoft has received more than 7,000 victim reports from the 16 locations, which are spread over 15 countries.

Call center scammers usually prompt victims with a phone call or pop-up, warning of a computer problem and using scare tactics to get them to call tech support. Victims are manipulated into providing remote access for "further diagnosis" and typically charged a fee of $150 to $499 for unnecessary tech support, which also leaves their computers vulnerable to attacks.

This most recent raid happened six weeks after a successful operation by the Delhi Cyber Crime Cell, which raided 10 call centers, arrested 24 people, and obtained evidence including call scripts, live chats, voice call recordings, and customer records. 

The takedown successes in India reflect broader global effort to combat tech support fraud, Microsoft explains in a blog post.
The post, by Courtney Gregoire, assistant general counsel of Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit, goes into detail about how analysis of cyber-criminals' behavior is influencing products and services including Windows 10, Windows Defender, and the SmartScreen filter.

Gregoire points out that education is the best defense and advises readers to be wary of unsolicited phone calls or pop-ups. 

Microsoft will never proactively contact customers for PC or technical support, she says. All contact with the company must be initiated by users.

Dark Reading

You Might Also Read:

India Wants A Big Windows Discount From Microsoft:


 

 

 

« Iran Using Websites To Spread Fake News
Facebook CEO Zuckerberg Backed Sharing Customer Data »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

BackupVault

BackupVault

BackupVault is a leading provider of automatic cloud backup and critical data protection against ransomware, insider attacks and hackers for businesses and organisations worldwide.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law advise global businesses that buy and sell technology products and services. We are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

Alvacomm offers holistic VIP cybersecurity services, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Our solutions include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response.

TBG Security

TBG Security

TBG provides a portfolio of services including cyber security, compliance and continuity solutions.

National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO)

National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO)

NASCIO's Cybersecurity Committee focuses helps state CIOs to formulate high-level security and data protection policies and technical controls.

Heimdal Security

Heimdal Security

Heimdal Security provides proactive protection against cyber threats including ransomware, exploit kits and financial malware.

ClearDATA

ClearDATA

The ClearDATA Managed Cloud protects sensitive healthcare data using purpose-built DevOps automation, compliance and security safeguards, and healthcare expertise.

UKAS

UKAS

UKAS is the national accreditation body for the UK. The directory of members provides details of organisations offering certification services for ISO 27001.

e.Kraal Innovation Hub

e.Kraal Innovation Hub

e.Kraal is a Cybersecurity Innovation Hub whose mission is to secure the future of Cybersecurity in Kenya by accelerating innovation and creativity in the cyberspace ecosystem.

GCHQ Apprenticeships

GCHQ Apprenticeships

GCHQ, the UK intelligence and security organisation, offers a unique three-year Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship with employment on successful completion.

Maritime Transportation System Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MTS-ISAC)

Maritime Transportation System Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MTS-ISAC)

MTS-ISAC promotes and facilitates maritime cybersecurity information sharing, awareness, training, and collaboration efforts between private and public sector stakeholders.

TrustGrid

TrustGrid

Trustgrid is a pioneer and leader in secure, cloud-native software-defined connectivity.

Cirosec

Cirosec

Cirosec is a specialized company with a focus on information security. We carry out pentests & audits and advise our customers in the German-speaking countries on information and IT security issues.

Cigent Technology

Cigent Technology

Cigent keeps the most valuable asset in your organization safe—your data. Our advanced endpoint and managed network security solutions prevent ransomware and data theft.

CACI International

CACI International

CACI is at the forefront of developing and delivering technological breakthroughs that transform and optimize government operations.

NI Cyber Security Centre

NI Cyber Security Centre

NI Cyber Security Centre works to make Northern Ireland cyber safe, secure and resilient for its citizens and businesses.

NetBlocks

NetBlocks

NetBlocks is a global internet monitor working at the intersection of digital rights, cyber-security and internet governance.

Creative ITC

Creative ITC

Creative ITC is a leading infrastructure and cloud enablement company. We design and deliver exceptional managed services and cloud solutions.

Gulf Business Machines (GBM)

Gulf Business Machines (GBM)

GBM is a leading end-to-end digital solutions provider, offering the broadest portfolio, including industry-leading digital infrastructure, digital business solutions, security and services.