Protect Yourself from Microsoft and Bitcoin Scam -Urgent Alert

Fear is being used to separate individuals from their hard-earned money.

Multiple members have been approached by this scam in the last few weeks. Fortunately, our Telcoe staff has identified the situation and helped members before funds were lost. Take a moment to see how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you are ever asked to take money from your account, pay with gift cards, or visit a Bitcoin ATM, please contact Telcoe as soon as possible. We want to keep you and your money safe, and we can also help you spot a scam. The scammers rely on your immediate fear to get you to do something you normally would not do. We are here to help you.

What is a Microsoft and Bitcoin Scam?

The latest "Microsoft Account Hacked" pop-up you're seeing is a tech support scam. Microsoft will never display such a pop-up or call you directly to tell you your account has been hacked. These pop-ups are designed to scare you into calling a fake support number, where scammers will attempt to steal your personal information or money. Anyone asking you to visit a Bitcoin machine is a scammer.

The scammers will ask you to withdraw money from your financial institution. They will go so far as to make you fear the employees at your financial institution. They want you to withdraw funds and then go buy gift cards or send money, and in their words, "protect it" through a Bitcoin ATM. Once you do this, the money is gone.

Anyone asking you to send them gift card numbers or take money to a bitcoin ATM is scamming you. It isn’t isolated only to the Microsoft Scam.

What you can do:

• Close the pop-up: Do not click on any links or call any numbers provided. 

• Close your browser: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) to close the browser if the pop-up is persistent. 

• Restart your computer: Restarting can help clear the pop-up if it's still appearing. 

• Scan for malware: If you're concerned, run a scan with a reputable antivirus program or take it to a professional like GeekSquad.

• Report the scam: If you have interacted with the scam, you can report it to Microsoft via their customer complaint form. Go directly to www.microsoft.com. 

• Be cautious of future pop-ups: Avoid clicking on links or calling numbers in unsolicited pop-up messages. 

Key things to remember about Microsoft and security: 

• Microsoft will NOT call you about security alerts: They will send notifications through your Microsoft account or email. 

• Microsoft will NOT call your financial institution. This is a fraudster pretending to be from your bank. Hang up and call Telcoe directly (501-375-5321), without them on the phone. Do not do a three-way call.

• Microsoft will NOT ask for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency: Be wary of any requests for these payment methods.  Learn more from Microsoft.

• Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your Microsoft account. 

• Use a strong, unique password: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. 

• Be cautious of suspicious emails: Always verify the sender's address and hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If you are not expecting a link, the best practice is to simply not click on it. Contact the sender directly. Do not 'reply.'

  
  

Telcoe Federal Credit Union is here to help our members. If something does not seem right, it probably isn’t. Call us to keep your money safe at 501-375-5321.