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Software Scam Is Hard Lesson For Victims

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Scam calls are infiltrating our phones and voicemails. Thieves posing as the IRS, the Federal Reserve Bank, and even Microsoft. At a weak moment, it's easy to get taken in by the scam.

Nancy can no longer use her personal computer. She refuses to turn it on after thieves posing as Microsoft Services accessed it remotely.

"They had some software that they had to put on my computer to fix it," she explained.

She ended up paying almost $200 for that supposed software.

"They were very urgent on the phone. They told me it had to be handled right now," Nancy told CBS4.

She suffers from severe migraines and got caught up in the moment.

"I would not have been fooled if it was not being sick," she said.

Now she works on her boyfriend's computer, but her experience with the scammers wasn't over.

"They call me up and say, 'There's a problem with the software.' They need to refund me the $199.99," she said.

They asked for her credit card number to make the refund.

"I get a call five minutes later from Western Union saying, 'Someone is trying to take money out of your account.'"

Western Union was able to stop the transaction and stop Nancy from becoming a victim again.

"We're trying to help protect consumers. Consumers work really hard for their money and we don't want them to lose their money," said Shelley Bernhardt, director of Fraud Risk Management for Western Union.

Wire transfers have long been the way scammers prefer to get money. Over the years Western Union has developed a comprehensive anti-fraud program. The company works with law enforcement agencies that investigate these crimes. Western Union also puts out educational video and has helpful tips for consumers:

  • Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
  • Verify an emergency situation before you take action
  • Never share your personal banking information with someone you don't know.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Western Union Fraud Awareness Videos

Nancy is out about $200 and the cost of repairing her computer, but it could have been so much worse.

"Western Union saved me and saved me $600."

Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.

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