A woman in Brooklyn lost $100,000 to a sophisticated scam. It all started when her computer froze, and things spiraled from there—including a secret code word and even meeting the scammer face-to-face.
Authorities are digging into the case. The victim stepped forward to share her story in an exclusive interview.
It’s a pretty stark reminder—don’t trust unexpected tech issues or strangers offering help out of the blue. That’s just asking for trouble, honestly.
Key Takeaways
- A scammer tricked a Brooklyn woman into losing $100,000.
- The scheme involved a frozen computer and personal interaction.
- Staying cautious can reduce the risk of falling for tech scams.
Man Pretending to Represent Microsoft Tricks Brooklyn Woman into Losing $100,000
A retired Brooklyn accountant got caught up in a fraudulent scheme that started with her laptop freezing one afternoon. Soon after, she got a phone call from someone claiming to be a Microsoft rep, warning her about a major virus that had supposedly slipped through their defenses.
The caller said she’d been charged $10 for antivirus services and promised a refund. But things took a turn when he insisted a $100,000 refund had accidentally landed in her bank account.
He pushed her to withdraw and return the money right away. Feeling pressured, she went to her bank, took out the cash, and handed her savings to a man she met in person. He used the code word “red” to prove he was legit—or so she thought.
The scammer walked off with $100,000. The woman, left reeling, decided to speak out and warn others about these kinds of scams.
Scammers Accessed Brooklyn Woman’s Bank Accounts
Scammers managed to get into a Brooklyn resident’s financial accounts. They quietly moved $100,000 from a trust fund she managed into her personal checking account.
She didn’t even realize it at the time. It’s unsettling to think about how they got her banking info—maybe even her Social Security number.
Key details:
- Trust fund manipulation: The money came from an account meant for managing financial assets.
- Lack of notification: The bank didn’t alert her to the unauthorized transfer when she visited.
- Identity theft risk: Her sensitive details, like identity and account credentials, might be out there now.
Without any warning, she was left wide open to financial exploitation.
Tips for Staying Protected from Computer Scams
Don’t call phone numbers that show up in pop-ups or weird messages on your screen. Scammers love using those tricks to get malware onto your device or steal your info.
If you notice anything suspicious, just shut down your system and unplug it from the internet. That’s usually the safest first move.
Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts. It makes things way harder for scammers trying to break in.
Watch out for phishing emails or calls asking for sensitive info. If you’ve already shared personal data, reset your device, change all your passwords, and stop talking to the scammer.
Do you have a story that needs investigating? Let us know.
The Federal Trade Commission tries to protect consumers from scams and fraud. If you’ve run into fake debts, shady calls, or just have a weird story, speak up.
Send in your tips. It could help expose scams and keep others safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions should be taken if a screen-locking scam is encountered?
If your computer suddenly says it’s locked because of a virus and demands money, don’t panic. Unplug it from the internet right away.
Don’t call any numbers in the message. Try restarting in safe mode and run a trusted antivirus program.
If you still can’t fix it, reach out to a real tech professional—someone you trust, not just a random number from a pop-up.
How can someone recognize a fake virus alert on their device?
Fake virus alerts usually pop up as big, scary messages demanding urgent action. They love throwing around words like “critical error” or “immediate threat.”
If you see a phone number to call, that’s a dead giveaway—it’s almost never legit security software.
Can scammers remotely control someone’s computer?
Yeah, unfortunately they can. If you install certain software or let someone in during a fake “tech support” call, you’re basically handing them the keys.
Once inside, scammers can mess with your files or drop malware onto your machine.
What should be done if personal information has been shared with scammers?
If you’ve given up sensitive info like bank credentials or your Social Security number, act fast. Call your bank to lock things down and keep an eye out for anything weird.
If you’re worried about identity theft, you might want to put a fraud alert or credit freeze in place with the credit bureaus.
How can people avoid scams claiming to fix fake computer viruses?
Don’t trust unsolicited calls, emails, or pop-ups offering tech support. Install a reputable antivirus and keep your system updated.
Never give out personal or financial info to strangers over the phone, and don’t download anything a random caller suggests. Seriously, just hang up or close the window if it feels off.
What are the warning signs that a virus notification is part of a scam?
There are a few clues that should set off alarm bells. Watch out for messages making wild claims or demanding payment, especially if they ask for gift cards.
If a notification says it’s from a big name like Microsoft or Apple, don’t just take it at face value. Real virus alerts only come from antivirus programs you’ve actually installed and trust.
