Tech Scam

Taylor –

Victim Location 98003

Total money lost $37,500

Type of a scam Online Purchase

Initially, my computer started to make noises like a virus and was appearing on my screen. There was also a help number on the screen to call, which I did. The told me that they were subcontracted by Microsoft to troubleshoot for them. So I figured that they were legitimate. They charged me to fix my computer. I gave them my credit card number and they fixed my computer. A red flag which I ignored at the time was when I watched on my screen as they seemed to "take over control" of my computer. They had my IP address. My computer seemed to be fixed and worked normally. However, over the next two months they would call me and say that they needed to check my computer for viruses and would charge me. The last charge was a promise from them that I would not have to pay another penny if I paid them $399. So I paid it and thought I was finished. That last charge occurred in September, 2018. I was out of town from October to mid December and shut down my home computer during this time. When I returned in December I received a voicemail from them saying that they wanted to refund my $399 because their license had expired and the program was not compatible with my computer. I pressed a number they gave me and they answered, explaining the refund. But in order to get the refund, I had to do something for them. They had my credit card number and asked which bank it was from. I innocently told them which I immediately regretted (too late). They got into my bank account info and displayed it on my computer screen. They told me that I was to go to Nordstrom’s and buy 10 gift cards in the amount o $1000 each. I refused to do this. They then wiped out all the money in my account including my savings. This frightened me so I consented to doing what they asked. They blackmailed me, holding my bank account hostage, while I made this transaction. I had to have my cellphone on while I made the purchase. After I made the purchase I was to give them the access numbers on the gift cards so they could "validate them." Over a period of two weeks they maxed out my credit allowance on two credit cards connected to my bank account, with me going to Nordstrom’s several times to purchase the gift cards. The total amount charged on my two cards was $37,500. During this time they promised that I would get my money back. I realized too late that I was a victim of a scam. Which really angers me is that they blackmailed me and held my bank account hostage while making me a part of their scam. I have had to change my bank account and charge cards as well as automatic deposits and withdrawal information. I have filed a police report with my local police department and my bank is also investigating.

Krystal –

Victim Location 83340