scam on microsoft 365

Question

I called Microsoft support to have Microsoft 365 Copilot removed from my computer and replaced with Microsoft Premium. The man I spoke to said he would remove it, but I had to give my SS number. In some way, he claims he made a mistake in refunding my money and deposited $28,000.00 into my bank account, and that it must be repaid. He hacked my bank account and stole $50,000.00 from my account. He said his name was Alex Parker and his email ******@gmail.com.IF you have any information on this man, please let me know

Rev.Walter Pinkney

Answer 1

Hello Walter Pinkney, thank you for sharing this in the community.

Based on what you described, this is a classic tech support or refund scam. Microsoft Support will never ask for your Social Security number, request that you repay a mistaken refund, or instruct you to transfer or return funds. The use of a free email domain such as Gmail and any request for bank access or remote control are strong indicators of fraud.

You should contact your bank’s fraud department immediately to report the unauthorized transactions and ask about recovery options. It is also very important to document everything, including call logs, screenshots, emails, transaction IDs, and exact amounts with timestamps, as this information is critical for both your bank and law enforcement.

If you allowed remote access to your computer, disconnect it from the internet right away and uninstall any remote access tools such as Quick Assist, AnyDesk, or TeamViewer. Afterward, run a full antivirus scan using Windows Security or another trusted antivirus solution and remove anything detected.

Kind regards,

John Oli

Answer 2

It sounds like you may have encountered a tech support scam. Microsoft does not ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, and they do not initiate refunds or deposits without your consent. If you suspect that you have been a victim of a scam, it is important to take immediate action:

1. Do not provide any further personal information to the individual you spoke with.
2. Contact your bank to report the unauthorized transactions and secure your account.
3. Report the scam to Microsoft using their official channels. You can report tech support scams through their technical support scam form.
4. Monitor your financial accounts for any unusual activity and consider changing your passwords.
5. Be cautious of any unsolicited calls or messages in the future, as these can often be scams.

For more information on how to protect yourself against tech support scams, you can refer to Microsoft's guidelines.