Asheville, North Carolina, police are urging residents to remain vigilant as a sophisticated fraud scam involving suspects posing as Microsoft employees has emerged, resulting in substantial monetary losses to two victims.
**Paragraph 1:** Asheville Police Department (APD) has issued a stern warning regarding a "sophisticated fraud scam" that has ensnared two local residents, costing them a combined $50,000. The elaborate scheme involves fraudsters impersonating Microsoft employees to gain access to victims' computers and personal information, subsequently exploiting this access to steal their money.
**Paragraph 2:** The modus operandi of this scam revolves around the suspects sending a supposed "Microsoft employee" to the victim's residence to collect money in person. This brazen approach has proven highly effective, capitalizing on the trust and vulnerability of unsuspecting individuals.
**Paragraph 3:** The police have provided a detailed description of the suspects' vehicle as a dark silver or gray Toyota Highlander, potentially bearing damage to the front right quarter panel. APD is urging the public to report any sightings or information related to this vehicle to local law enforcement immediately.
**Paragraph 4:** APD emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and thoroughly verifying the identity of any individuals claiming to represent Microsoft or other reputable companies. Residents are advised to confirm the credentials of supposed representatives through official channels before engaging with them or parting with any money.
**Paragraph 5:** APD highlights the critical nature of confirming representatives' credentials "through official channels before engaging with them or providing any money." The department stresses that Microsoft representatives will never request personal or financial information or provide technical support via unsolicited messages or phone calls.
**Paragraph 6:** Customers who suspect they have fallen victim to a Tech Support Scam are strongly advised to file a report with law enforcement authorities and their local consumer protection agency. Additionally, victims can report their experiences on Microsoft's website at www.microsoft.com/reportascam.
**Paragraph 7:** Microsoft has issued an official statement reiterating that its employees "will never show up in person, send unsolicited messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer."
**Paragraph 8:** Microsoft further emphasizes that "any communication with Microsoft must be initiated by the individual." Customers are advised to treat all unsolicited messages with skepticism and refrain from disclosing personal information to unknown individuals.
**Paragraph 9:** Customers can report their experiences on Microsoft's website at www.microsoft.com/reportascam. According to a spokesperson, "Doing so assists Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit in its ongoing investigations with law enforcement as we take appropriate action against those targeting our customers."
**Paragraph 10:** APD and Microsoft jointly urge residents to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence to safeguard their personal and financial information from malicious actors. By reporting suspicious activity and adhering to recommended security measures, individuals can contribute to combating these sophisticated fraud scams and protecting themselves from financial loss.
