College warns of computer scam
The West Valley-Mission College police department warned faculty and staff last week to be on the lookout for a computer scam occurring in California.
Contacting people at home and pretending to be an employee of a reputable computer company, an individual asks the victim personal questions under the guise of conducting a computer survey. An offer of free software is used to hook computer owners.
Unaware of the scam, victims give information about their income, the value of their computer equipment and what time they're home. Home addresses are volunteered so that an imaginary technician can come install the software.
"They find out when someone isn't home and steal their computers and other valuables," says Sgt. Laura Lorman of the West Valley-Mission College police department. "There's a market for stolen computers."
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, February 12, 1997.
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