Computer scam wipes hard drives clean

[AntivirusNews]

YORK, Maine — A computer scam offers anti-virus protection but wipes out databases and has the potential to steal the operator's identify, according to Bob Rogers, who owns the repair company UpSurf.net on York Street.

At least 20 of his customers have told him they've been contacted by telephone, sometimes at odd hours early in the morning or late at night, Rogers said.

Two people gave the caller their passwords and credit card numbers, allowing the scam artist to access their computer, wipe out all of the information stored on it and take the money, Rogers said.

"It's a real problem," he said. "This person or persons is calling offering them great deals to protect their computers. Unfortunately, a few of these people got taken. It's not only the money. When the person connected to the computer, everything was gone."....

Read more...