If you see a pop-up saying your computer has a virus, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. That’s according to Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill.
The messages typically resemble security alerts from legitimate sources. However, by following the instructions and giving remote access to your computer, scammers can obtain personal information, user names, and passwords, and steal your identity. In addition to pop-up alerts, scammers may also contact victims by phone, claiming to be from Microsoft or another trusted company.
The Attorney General’s Office says its Consumer Protection Division has gotten 111 tech support complaints so far this year.