Police in Asheville, North Carolina, are warning of a “sophisticated scam” in which a suspect poses as a Microsoft employee and accesses and steals personal information from a victim’s computer.
“This elaborate scam has already defrauded two residents in our area out of $50,000 in losses,” the Asheville Police Department said in a press release on Tuesday. “The suspects dispatch ‘Microsoft employees’ to victims’ homes to collect the money in person. This method exploits individuals’ trust and weaknesses, making the scam particularly effective.”
Police described the suspect vehicle as a dark silver or gray Toyota Highlander, possibly with damage to the right front quarter panel.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about these scams to contact local law enforcement “immediately.”
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Asheville police are warning of a scam in which a suspect poses as a Microsoft employee and steals money from victims’ computers. (Asheville Police Department)
“We urge residents to be aware of the identity of anyone claiming to represent Microsoft or other companies,” police said..
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Police say two victims of the Asheville Microsoft employee scam have already lost $50,000. (David Ryder/Bloomberg)
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Police also said it was “important” that residents check the qualifications of their representatives “through official channels before engaging or providing money.”
A Microsoft spokesperson did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment in time for publication.
