Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Computer Service Ruse Used To Defraud Local Resident
A local resident who recently purchased a new computer reported to law enforcement officials Monday that she had apparently been targeted in a fraud scheme through use of a computer service agreement ruse.
The sixty-nine year old victim reported to Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies that she had purchased the computer from Best Buy on January 29. Shortly afterward, she said she was contacted by a representative of “Microtech,” offering her a technical support package at a cost of $199.99.
She told deputies that, although she declined the purchase, the caller had apparently gleaned enough information to gain access to her checking account and take the payment anyway. She said that malware had apparently been installed on her computer, as well.
The victim said that she felt uneasy after the call and placed a call to the company on February 3 to allay her fears. She said that her call was answered, but that “they only offered her extended technical support.” She said that, again, she declined, but when she checked her checking account she found that an additional $299.99 had been taken. Further investigation revealed a third charge was made to her account February 17. This charge was for $300.
The victim had discovered that fraudulent checks had been presented against her account on these occasions. The checks, which she said “had apparently been printed from a computer by Microtech,” bore the name of her bank and the correct routing number as well as her account number. She emphasized that she had not authorized the checks. A “depositor” number that was shown on the checks could not be traced.
The victim said that she had placed a subsequent call to the company asking to speak with “Mack Reed,” the name she had previously been given. She was told that she would receive a return call from him, but said that no call was forthcoming.
The victim told deputies that she had taken precautions such as closing her bank account and deleting all information and software from her computer.
Total loss was $799.98. At the present time the case remains under investigation.
