Column: LOOK OUT - Computer Blasted warnings lead to major scams

By Laura William Helmer

Laura Williams Helmer is alerting locals to be aware of so called ‘Microsoft Techs’ aiming to scam you out of your money.

February 10th is a day I'll likely never forget.

I was working on my Microsoft Surface Pro 8. Suddenly, the computer started loudly blasting warnings about having been compromised, and I couldn't stop the incessant bleating and screaming.

Then I noticed something I wish I had not.

A number for a Microsoft Tech Support was at the bottom of the screen. I called it.

Big Mistake: I should never have done this.

I'm glad I took notes.  The following reflects the experience of a seasoned professional fraudster with a fair amount of skills and savvy.

"Kevin O'Brien," clearly from another country, representing himself as Microsoft Tech Support, came on my screen with my permission and gave me his employee ID number and my customer ID number. He also gave me his direct line.

After asking me if I knew anyone from a variety of states in the US he then asked if I had been on a Chinese gambling site. Then, what about Russia?

The answer was no and no.

He then informed me that in fact the Chinese Gambling Site had already tried to compromise my checking account, and when deflected, used my personal email to gain access to my checking account in the amount of $5,000.

When asked if I wanted to talk to my bank, I was purportedly transferred to it, using the 800# on my debit card.

Then "Terry Sharpner" came on to assist me with this urgent situation.  He told me that I had to get funds out of our checking account immediately so the Chinese wouldn't get them. I had to get gift cards totaling  $5,000 in specified increments asap. My sense of urgency was so incredible that I never looped my husband into the full scope, my fears and what I was about to do.

I raced out of our driveway to shop for gift cards.

Terry demanded that I keep my phone in my coat pocket the entire time and to never hang up. He specified the stores to go to and the kind of gift cards to buy which were the only ones acceptable to our bank. You see, by getting the funds out in the form of gift cards, I could go to the local brand the following Monday and receive full reimbursement.

It was traumatizing to say the least to walk into the first store a total of four times!

The first cards I purchased were unacceptable to Terry. He wanted Nordstrom cards. Then he wanted me to go back in and buy more Nordstrom cards with the Nordstrom cards I'd just purchased. I was visibly in that store four times and quite shaken.

I went to four more stores, who sometimes didn't have the denomination or brand that Terry wanted. Both my debit card and my husband's stopped working. The last transaction was on a credit card. No employee ever asked or whispered "was I ok". I would have whispered back, "yes". 

After each purchase, I had to sit in my car reading each card number and access code to Terry. He preferred Google, Apple, Nordstrom and Target and made a couple of exceptions.

After all was said and done, I called a friend who is a cybersecurity expert. Microsoft doesn't have Tech Support. I called my bank and reported fraud next. We then moved into the stages of getting new checking accounts and other actions that were necessary.

PTSD was one result that I experienced.

I was embarrassed, ashamed, guilty.  

This felt very real and I hope that by sharing my story, no one else will. If your computer suddenly issues warnings, turn it off, unplug it and call a professional.