A Hardin County man has lost $20,000 in a computer scam.
The Elizabethtown Police Department said that “local banks have reported a surge in scams costing our community tens of thousands.”
EPD then said, in an actual case, that a “local man” had lost $20,000 in scam that originated on his computer.
“A local man got a virus pop-up on his computer, called a fake ‘Microsoft Support’ number, and was tricked by ‘Roy’ and ‘Shawn.’ They gained access to his computer, stole banking info, and connected him to ‘Steve Johnson,’ who claimed to be from his bank’s fraud department. They convinced him to withdraw $20,000, lie to bank staff, and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. Days later, he nearly lost another $20,000 but checked with his bank and uncovered the scam. The cons kept calling, insisting the bank was scamming him!”
Elizabethtown PD offered the following tips on avoiding scams:
- Pop-up warnings? Don’t call the number! Get an IT pro to check your computer in person.
- Scammers spoof Caller ID. Banks or businesses can’t stop it.
- Banks/law enforcement NEVER ask you to deposit money into crypto ATMs.
- Real Microsoft won’t connect to your computer. Scammers can control your screen to fake legitimacy.
- Doubtful? Hang up, call the business at a verified number, or contact police.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
