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Sheriff reports new scam

By Greg Bebermeyer

07/20/2022

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents about a new scam.

Merchant said he's recently had a number of complaints from residents about a "POP UP AD" randomly showing up on their computer screen that disables the computer.

The ad states that their computer has been locked and disabled by Windows and gives a number to call in order to repair. It will appear that is is being sent by "WINDOWS" and looks to be somewhat official. However, Merchant says it is not being sent by Windows and is a scam.

At times, he says the POP UP AD" is accompanied by a number of other pop ups and disables the use of the computers. Merchant said several residents have called the number listed on the ad, and have been advised there is a fee associated with unlocking the computer and they want the ability to remote in on their computer to fix the problem as well as their bank account information to pay for their service.

At this time, Merchant says all those who have reported the scam have not given out their bank information to pay for the fee.

Merchant advises residents not to allow complete strangers access to your computer or to give out your banking information.

He says if you feel you have been made a victim of this scam, notify your local law enforcement at once.

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