Scammers Target Local Woman

A local woman says a terrifying computer warning ended with strangers gaining access to deeply personal information — including tax records, professional licensing data, and her child’s Social Security number. And deputies say it’s part of a scam that’s becoming increasingly common. According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, a woman came to the sheriff’s office after realizing she may have fallen victim to a fake tech support scheme. She told deputies her computer suddenly froze and displayed an alert claiming she needed to secure her identity immediately. The message included a phone number for what appeared to be “Windows Support.” When she called, the person who answered instructed her to install a remote-access program called UltraViewer and provide them with access to her computer. After doing so, she said her screen went black for a period of time before eventually returning to normal. That’s when the real problems began. The woman later discovered: She had been locked out of her email Some functions on her phone stopped working Her phone number appeared linked to WhatsApp She was logged out of multiple devices She also told deputies the computer contained highly sensitive information, including: Tax returns Driver’s license photos Professional mental health licensing information Medicaid billing records Employment records Her daughter’s Social Security number and personal information Deputies documented the incident and took a written statement. How These Scams Usually Work Cybersecurity experts say these fake tech support scams are designed to create panic. The scams often begin with: A pop-up claiming your computer is infected Loud warning noises A frozen screen Messages saying your identity or bank account is compromised The fake alert then tells victims to call a “support” number. Once the victim calls: Scammers convince them to install remote-access software The scammer gains control of the computer Passwords, banking info, tax documents, and personal records can be copied Victims are sometimes locked out of their own accounts Programs like UltraViewer, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and similar apps are legitimate tools — but scammers frequently abuse them. How to Protect Yourself Experts recommend: Never call phone numbers from pop-up warnings Never give remote access to strangers Close suspicious browser windows with Task Manager if needed Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication Freeze your credit if sensitive data may be compromised Monitor bank accounts and email recovery settings closely Contact real companies directly using official websites or phone numbers And one important reminder: Microsoft does not randomly display pop-ups telling people to call “Windows Support.” And the frightening part… The scammers didn’t break into the computer. The victim unknowingly invited them in herself. Which is exactly how these scams are designed to work.

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