DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Pennsylvania State Police are warning residents about a computer scam that tricks victims into sending cryptocurrency to fraudsters posing as Microsoft support technicians.
According to state police in Dunmore, the latest reported victim is a 79-year-old woman from Dunmore who was targeted through what investigators described as a “Microsoft Support Bitcoin Scam.” The attempted theft involved approximately $10,000.
Police said the scam typically begins when a victim encounters a pop-up message on a computer or cellphone claiming to be from Microsoft Security. The message warns that the device has been compromised by viruses or other suspicious activity and urges the user to call a toll-free number for assistance.
Investigators said callers are then connected with someone pretending to be a Microsoft technician. The scammer claims the victim’s computer has been severely compromised and instructs them to purchase Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency and transfer it to a specified digital wallet address.
State police said scammers often use high-pressure tactics, including threats that personal information could be deleted or shared if immediate action is not taken.
Authorities are reminding residents that legitimate technology companies do not demand payment in cryptocurrency to fix computer problems.
Police advise anyone who encounters a message claiming their device has been infected to independently verify the source and avoid sending money or cryptocurrency to unknown individuals.