Port Hope Police are warning the public to be aware of a repeating internet/phone scam where by the caller poses as a Microsoft IT technician and claims there are security breaches with home computers. The scam artist then attempts to get the home owner to down load a program under the ruse that it is a security feature.
A Port Hope man fell prey to this scam on the 25th of January 2013 shortly after 6:00pm and did down load the program but later felt it was suspicious. These programs are designed to remotely take over computers and search for financial and personal information. Also, there is keystroke scanning technology that is designed to intercept passwords for programs such as online banking. In this case it is unknown if any information was obtained. The man shut down the computer and is having it checked for viruses.
Port Hope Police are advising never to give access to computers to someone soliciting such information it by way of telephone or email.