Computer pop up: Received a pop-up notification that your computer is compromised?

The Straits Times

2024-03-31

In partnership with the Singapore Police Force 

*Received a pop-up notification that your computer is compromised?*

*Think twice, as it could be a "technical support scam"*, says Police Superintendent Rosie Ann McIntyre, assistant director of the Scam Public Education Office Operations Department, Singapore Police Force. At least 78 police reports have been filed since January this year, with losses of more than $6.7 million.

How does it work? The pop-ups lead users to believe that their device is compromised by hackers for illegal activities, prompting them to call a fake technical support hotline to resolve the issue.

*"Users would be asked to access websites or download (purported) legitimate remote software to allow scammers to remotely access their devices," says Police Superinten- dent McIntyre.*

 "Scammers may also attempt to make calls to potential victims with the same deceit." On such calls, scammers posing as police officers would "help" victims lodge a fraudulent police report and log into their internet banking account to "apprehend" the hackers. They would then remotely access the victim's computer to make unauthorised transactions using the victim's bank account. 

*Police Superintendent McIntyre advises: "Refrain from clicking on such pop-up notices or links within them, and only seek technical support from reputable sources."*

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