Putnam County issued the following announcement.
A popular scam involves an individual or company contacting you claiming to be from “support” and urging you strongly to respond to their message ASAP. Recently, members have been contacted by “Apple support,” “Microsoft Support,” and “Amazon Support.” Often the contacts involve emails or texts asking you to click a link to fix a problem. Do not fall for this scam. Computer viruses and malware are downloaded via links and before you know it, a third party can access your computer, email, and every site you visit online, including Hudson Valley Credit Union’s Internet Banking.
You should NEVER respond to an email, text, or phone call from “support” that requests you to take quick action. This includes unsolicited pop-up messages when browsing the internet. Immediately close the pop-up window without clicking any links.
Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and other companies will not contact you in this manner because:
There’s a problem with your online order,
They have an issue with the credit card you gave them, or
Your computer software needs updating.
If you are ever directed to “contact us immediately” because there is a problem, ignore the message and any links you might be sent. If you’re truly worried there is a problem, call the company independently or contact their legitimate customer service on their website.
Finally, if you ever notice unusual transactions on Internet or Mobile Banking, or are contacted via text to provide your Internet Banking credentials or debit card PIN under the premise of verifying a transaction, please contact your bank immediately.
Scammers prey on people’s fears by making it seem like a problem demands your immediate action. Always take the time to consider what an unknown individual is asking of you. Pausing before clicking or responding favorably to the message can help prevent others from infiltrating your computer and using your information fraudulently to take your hard-earned money.
To stay abreast of the latest scams, sign up today for the Federal Trade Commission’s Scam Alerts.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up