South Dakota Attorney General, Marty Jackley, warned residents of the dangers of an online financial scam in a June 26 press release.
Jackley says the scam resulted in one resident’s $30,000 loss. The scam consists of a pop-up message appearing on screen instructing the owner to call the provided number because their computer has a virus. When the number is called, individuals are convinced to move money or grant access to their computer.
“This is the work of an unscrupulous scammer,” said Attorney General Jackley. “These scams are detrimental to our consumers, financially and emotionally.”
To avoid being tricked by this growing internet scam Jackley said individuals should be aware that official computer companies will not communicate through pop-up messages, and you should never give access to your computer or personal data.
The state Division of Consumer Protection asks that residents who experience this scam report any and all details to their office.
