Can you get a virus from a spam call?
It will say that a scan of your phone has revealed a virus infection, urging you to take immediate action. The scam then gets you to download an “anti-virus” app that is actually malware or spyware. Once the malicious code is on your smartphone, scammers can infect other devices or hijack yours.
Are phone calls from Windows legitimate?
No. Microsoft will never make an unsolicited phone call. On its website, the company says that any communication will always be initiated with you.
Can your phone be hacked through a call?
Can hackers hack your phone by calling you? No, not directly. A hacker can call you, pretending to be someone official, and so gain access to your personal details. Armed with that information, they could begin hacking your online accounts.
Does Microsoft ever call you about viruses?
Yes. This is a scam. This is not a legitimate call from Microsoft. Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) about your computer security or software fixes.
Does Microsoft notify you about viruses?
Be aware, however, that “VIRUS ALERT TO MICROSOFT” is a scam. It is fake and has nothing to do with Microsoft. In fact, cyber criminals generate revenue by claiming to be certified technicians and to trick users into paying for support that is not needed. All aforementioned claims are false.
What can a scammer do with my name and phone number?
Scammers use auto-dialers and spoofed area codes to trick people into picking up the phone. From there, it’s a numbers game. The scammers want to get as much personal information from the call recipient as possible. That can include anything from names and birth dates to credit card numbers.
Can a hacker take control of my computer?
The hacker could be across the street or across the country. No matter where they are, they can copy photos from your computer onto theirs, or delete your tax records. They can steal your personal data or delete the programs you have on your computer. Worse yet, they can download more viruses.
What happens if you pick up a spam call?
If you receive a spam robocall, the best thing to do is not answer. If you answer the call, your number is considered ‘good’ by the scammers, even if you don’t necessarily fall for the scam. They will try again because they know someone on the other side is a potential victim of fraud.
Can I get hacked by answering a phone call?
You might be bombarded with calls throughout the course of the day but if nobody is answering or talking back, you might want to go to the authorities about it. Now, to answer the question: it’s pretty much impossible for anyone to hack your mobile phone by just calling you so you don’t need to worry about that.
How do I Find my anti-virus vendor’s contact details?
NEVER rely on the contact details provided in a pop-up message. Instead, find your anti-virus vendor’s contact details through an internet search. Avoid questionable websites. Some sites may automatically download malicious software on to your computer. Report the matter via the report a scam page in SCAMwatch.
What happens if your computer is infected by a virus?
Once your computer is infected, the scammer commonly gathers personal information to steal your identity or to sell it to other criminals. Although the majority of anti-virus pop-up alerts are fake, there is an off-chance that you have received a legitimate virus warning.
What are the signs of fake anti-virus spyware?
Fake anti-virus spyware programs often generate more “alerts” than the software made by reputable companies. You may be bombarded with pop-up alerts, even when you’re not online. Scammers commonly use high pressure sales tactics to convince you to buy NOW!
Should you ever Click on pop-up anti-virus alerts?
NEVER click on pop-up anti-virus alerts. Scammers often use the names of well-known companies that specialise in computer software to gain your trust. The pop-up advertisements aim to mimic genuine warning alerts generated by computer security software.