'Computer Infected' Scam Infects Hingham Resident's Finances

A phone scammer successfully enticed an elderly Hingham resident to provide credit card information and remote computer access after telling the resident his computer was infected.

The 87-year-old Hingham man did not lose any money, as he eventually hung up and cancelled the charge, but he had to contact all of his financial institutions because of the security breach, Hingham police said in an alert Tuesday.

The call on Friday, Jan. 24 came from a man, likely out of the country, claiming to be "Windows Tech Support." He said the resident's computer required immediate attention and the fee would be $110.

"The resident initially believed it was a legitimate call and provided his credit card information and agreed to pay the fee to fix his computer," HPD said.

"The resident further followed the callers instructions and allowed the man to remotely access his computer. Once the remote access was gained, the resident ended the call.

"A short time later, the resident became suspicious of the call and called his credit card company to cancel the charge and have a new card issued.

"Fortunately, the resident did not lose any money. However, the resident also needed to contact all of his other credit and financial institutions to cancel them as well because all of information was information and personal information was accessed through the remote connection.

"The scam appears to be generated through an internet (VOIP) from out of the country.

"Here is a link to a Better Business Bureau warnng about the scam last year. 

"http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/07/bbb-alerts-residents-to-microsoft-tech-support-scam/"