Kentuckians report losing more than $90,000 in computer virus scam

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)- Kentucky’s Attorney General has issued a computer virus scam alert.

Complaints have come in from Fayette, Johnson, Franklin, Jefferson and other counties.

People have lost more than $90,000 dollars collectively so far in this scam. According to Attorney Genera, Andy Beshear, one person in Jefferson County lost $89,000. That money has not been recovered.

The Attorney General’s Office says a fake pop-up window appears on people’s computer screens telling them there’s a virus.

They are given an 800-number to call for help.

According to the Attorney General, the person that answers that number sounds like a tech support service worker, but it is really a scam artist who is collecting login credentials.

That person then steals your personal and financial information and can clean out your bank accounts.

“These scammers won’t clean your hard drive, but they will clean out your bank account,” said Beshear. “Just as we wouldn’t give a stranger a key to our homes, Kentuckians should never give a stranger access to their personal computers.”

The Attorney General is offering these tips to keep you from falling for the scam:

-Don’t call a number or click on a link from a pop-up message or unfamiliar email.
-Don’t trust numbers, even if it appears to come from a legitimate tech support company.
-Never give a caller remote access to your computer or personal device.
-Never buy gift cards as a form of payment to “tech support” callers.

To report scams to the Office of the Attorney General, fill out an online consumer complaint form.

You can sign up for the Attorney General’s scam alerts by texting the words KYOAG Scam to GOV-311 (468-311) or you can sing up online at ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.