Better Business Bureau Warns of Fake Computer Repair Calls

(Springfield, MO) -- If you get a call from someone trying to access your computer remotely, it's likely a scam.

That's the word today from the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri, which says it's received complaints about phone calls from individuals asking to gain access to home computers.

The BBB says callers claim to be from well-known companies such as Windstream, who tell the consumers they need to remote access their computers to do a cleaning after reported viruses or fraud in their systems.

"Consumers are reminded to never share passwords or give remote access to anyone they don't know," says Judy Mills, President/CEO of BBB of Southwest Missouri, in a news release. "These scammers will do anything but clean and repair your computer."

BBB says if your computer has been hacked or infected with a virus, take the following precautions:

-Immediately unplug your computer from the internet connection, whether it is a telephone line or an Ethernet line.
-Contact your internet service provider (ISP) immediately to report the incident
-Contact the FBI's Internet Crime division at www.ic3.gov.

-For more information about this scam or to check out a business or charity call 417-862-4222 or go online to www.swmo.bbb.org.