Tech Support Scams Surge in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin

Residents of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, are currently being targeted by a prevalent tech support scam, according to the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office. The scam involves deceptive pop-up alerts and aggressive tactics designed to extract money from unsuspecting computer users.

How the Scam Works

The scam begins with a pop-up alert or link appearing on a computer screen, falsely claiming a security issue. This alert often mimics legitimate security warnings from well-known companies like Microsoft. When a user interacts with the pop-up, the computer may appear to “lock up,” displaying a message with a phone number to call for assistance. Scammers answering this number then demand payment to “unlock” the computer, falsely claiming to resolve the fabricated security problem.

Protect Yourself: Recognizing and Avoiding the Scam

Law enforcement officials strongly advise against paying any money to unlock a computer. If you are ever asked to pay to regain access to your computer, it is a clear indication of a scam. Do not call the provided number or share any payment information.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you encounter this pop-up alert or believe you have fallen victim to this scam, the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office urges you to immediately contact your local law enforcement agency. The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating these reports and can provide guidance.

Staying Informed and Secure

The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office initially alerted the public to this scam via a Facebook post, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against such online threats. Staying informed about common scams is a crucial step in protecting yourself and your personal information.

Further information and updates regarding this scam can be found on the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and the Sheriff’s Office website.