Callers claim to be Microsoft techs, saying your computer has a virus

If you have a phone, and own a computer, you're a target!

The ABC15 Investigators found an old scam has become an epidemic in the Valley.

It starts with a call, usually from a man, and he wants to check your computer.

Patricia Leighton of Mesa got the call and wondered if her computer did have issues.

The man asked that he remotely check her computer from his office. Patricia allowed it.

The man says he found thousands of viruses, malware and other issues.

Patricia could see him control her computer.

Then the man said he was from a company offering a warranty that could help her.

He would charge $149 and the problems would be gone, and Patricia paid the fee.

Dozens of people have told me about the same issue on my ABC15 Facebook page , but they are all scams.

The callers pose as Microsoft workers or other employees but they are not.

They get your money, and you get nothing.

Microsoft does not operate this way and has nothing to do with the callers.

Patricia did get her money back by going through her bank.

So far, she has had no issues with her computer. Ken Colburn with Data Doctors says she's lucky.

Colburn says once you give someone remote access to your computer, it's no telling what personal information they can get from you.

He says it's okay to give access to technicians you call for help, but never allow someone who calls you blindly to get into your computer.

Here's more on the virus scam from Data Doctors.

Do you have something you want investigated? E-mail me with the details, or "like" my ABC 15 Facebook page and tell me about it there.