We want to alert you to an increasingly common type of online scam that often begins with a simple email. These scams can result in financial loss and identity theft if not handled quickly.
Recently, a family experienced a situation where a seemingly legitimate email contained a virus. After opening it, fraudulent “help” messages appeared, including one claiming to be from Microsoft. The scammers used frightening language-mentioning Social Security numbers and even criminal activity-and then demanded money to “fix” the issue. They also tried to convince the victim to transfer funds from their bank account.
Fortunately, the bank intervened before any money was lost, but the victim still had to change their banking and credit card information, and the police were involved.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Email or Pop-Up:
- Unplug and restart your computer immediately. Do not click on any links, download attachments, or call numbers that appear in the message.
- Do not provide any personal or financial information. Legitimate companies will never ask for Social Security numbers, banking details, or credit card information through email or pop-ups.
- Call a trusted friend, family member, or advisor for help. Having a second set of eyes can prevent costly mistakes.
- Report the incident. Contact your bank if you shared any information, and consider reaching out to local authorities if the scammers attempted fraud.
Key Reminder: If something feels urgent, frightening, or “too good to be true,” it likely is a scam. Take a step back, unplug, and ask for help.
At Supportive Financial, we prioritize cybersecurity protection. Please consider sharing this message with elderly relatives or friends, as they are often targeted.