Phone scammers trying to access personal information

If you have recently received a suspicious phone call from a software company, you aren't the only one.

Helena police say they've had several complaints of phone scammers trying to access personal information.

After getting one of these calls, a local resident is now speaking out to make sure the Helena community is aware of these prank callers.

After receiving a suspicious call from a man wanting access to his computer, Luke Cuoccio knew something wasn't right.  It wasn't until the 2nd call, he realized the man was a phone scammer.

Cuoccio says, "He said that he was a technician working for a contractor who supplied security systems for windows software."

He says the caller told him his computer was at risk and he needed new software.  Cuoccio was smart, denying the man any information or access to his computer.

Helena Police Detective, Sergeant Richard Drysdale says if scammers are successful, they can gain access to private information.

Drysdale says, "Once it's accessed their computer and all the contents, their personal items , papers and such that they have on there has just become available for these people to look at."

Drysdale says most companies won't ask for access to notify customers of a breach.

Drysdale says, "If you're suspicious of somebody calling don't follow through with their request.  Verify.  Say I have to verify this before I give you anything.  Call the company that they say they are from and verify that."

As for Cuoccio, he says he's thankful he didn't fall for the scam and hopes others don't either.  Drysdale says scams come in many forms, including online, through a text message and standard mail delivery.

Story by Jill Jagelski, Beartooth NBC.
Copyright ©2012 Beartooth Communications Company. All Rights Reserved.