The Computer Virus Scam: Beth shares her story

[AARPLynne]

In the following podcast, Beth receives a phone call and a follow-up message on her computer from a man claiming he's from Dell. Have you ever encountered a computer virus scam?

Listen to her story:

AARP's podcast series, The Perfect Scam, is hosted by Will Johnson, former Discovery Channel podcast host/producer and leading fraud expert and AARP Fraud Watch Network Ambassador Frank Abagnale, profiles America's biggest scams through personal stories of scam victims and their families as well as interviews with professional con artists and leading experts on scams and fraud. Hear about how these scams happen and how to avoid them from those who know best.

[nctarheel]

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@AARPLynnewrote:

In the following podcast, Beth receives a phone call and a follow-up message on her computer from a man claiming he's from Dell. Have you ever encountered a computer virus scam?

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No confirmation of who's calling, sending a check for $4,000 on their demand, and ON THE PODCAST ITSELF, SHE NAMES HER PERSONAL BANK.......... this lady has to be a dunce.

They do not make it clear how this lady got her money back. If there is a victim's fund in each state designated for "reimbursing" victims of scams; does AARP not think that information would be of great value to their members.

I suggest if there are victim's funds in each state that AARP produce contact names and numbers so that victims can contact these entities when legitimately scammed.

I found this podcast in some ways to be farfetched. I can't believe anyone could be dumb enough to tell everyone where they bank on a national media outlet.

[AARPLynne]

Hello, @nctarheel. We are all susceptible to scams for different reasons, from stress, preoccupation with other matters, being in an emotional vs. logical place, social isolation, lack of awareness, cognitive impairment, etc.

There’s a Justice Dept. Victim of Crimes program that funds states’ activities in helping crime victims. Here’s a link to a map where people can look up victim resources in their states:  https://www.ovc.gov/map.html