Ip Address Compromised Scam
BBB Scam Alert: IP address scam uses scare tactics
Scammers have been duping consumers with a tech support scam that claims your IP address has been compromised. BBB is seeing an increasing number of these cons reported to There are two versions of this scam you should be ready to spot.
How the Scam Works
In one version of the scam, a pop-up suddenly appears on your computer screen with an ominous warning from a well-known tech support company. The pop-up will ask you to call a number to resolve the issue. When you call, a “technician” will tell you your IP address is being used by shady individuals. In some reports, scammers claim child pornography websites are using your IP address, and you could be held responsible for their actions. In a second version of the scam, you simply receive a call out of the blue from someone making similar claims.
In both cases, scammers say they work for a reputable company and can fix the problem, but you’ll need to pay a fee and give them remote access to your computer first. Of course, the claims are false! If you believe them, scammers will make off with your money and gain access to any personal information stored on your computer.
How to Protect Yourself from Computer Scams
Never open attachments or links in emails from unknown senders. These can generate the fake warning pop-ups that prompt you to make a call to scammers. If you do get a suspicious pop-up alert, don’t click on anything and restart your computer.
Be wary of unsolicited calls. A common scam tactic is to make cold calls. Scammers then try to scare you into giving them access to your machine. Don’t fold under pressure, simply hang up the phone and block the number.
Never give strangers remote access to your computer. You should only allow remote access to technicians of trustworthy companies that you contacted through a legitimate customer service number or chat.
For More Information
For more information on computer tech support scams, check out, as well as these videos and tips from the Federal Trade Commission
If you’ve been the victim of a tech support scam, report it on the BBB Scam Tracker. By reporting your experience, you can help others avoid falling for the same scam.
Ask SAM: Is call about compromised IP address a scam?
Ask SAM: Is call about compromised IP address a scam?
Q: My husband keeps getting calls that say they are from Microsoft but come up on our caller ID with our own name and number, as if we are phoning ourselves. They tell us that our IP address has been compromised. We’re quite sure this is a scam. Is this a new scam and are other people getting these calls? J. It’s a scam alright, but it’s not new. We’ve written before about how scammers use spoofing technology to hide their true telephone number, sometimes using the phone number of the people they are calling to add to the explained on the Microsoft answers forum, “an IP address can’t be compromised, it’s just a number that identifies your system on the (typically local) network so that other computers can send responses to its requests. “The only true failure that involves an IP address is if another computer on your own network tries to use the same address, which creates a conflict and will be clearly displayed as such by a Windows error message on your screen if it did actually occur. Even if this happens this issue typically only results in flaky communications and can usually be fixed by simply restarting either PC. ”This scam has been circulating for several years now. The scammers are probably trying to talk you into paying them money to “fix” the problem or give them access to your computer, which will allow them to upload malware. Q: As I was remembering Thruway Shopping Center in its early years, I had a vague memory of a small hospital on Stratford Road, a few blocks west of the shopping center, named maybe Casstevens. Was there such a place? N. Yes. You are thinking of Casstevens Hospital, a 30-bed private clinic that was at opened at the corner of Knollwood Street and Stratford Road in 1946. “In 1954, the clinic became a hospital with obstetrics and minor surgery as its focus, ” according to “Casstevens Hospital was replaced in 1971 by Medical Park Hospital. ” The Stratford Oaks office complex is there lling DelaysWinston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities let us know about a change coming to utility bills. “Our billing cycle for bimonthly accounts is typically 60 days, ” they explained. “Recently, there have been delays, which have resulted in billing cycles of 75-plus days. ”If your balance due seems higher than expected on your next bill, check the “days” column to see how many days your bill covers. “You are not being charged more, ” they explained. “You are only paying for the water used. Payment due dates have been adjusted accordingly. ”For more information, contact CityLink Online or call 311 or anksOn behalf of the VFW Memorial Honor Guard, quartermaster Clifford Harris would like to extend thanks to two people who paid for the honor guards’ lunches on separate occasions recently at Pete’s Family Restaurant in Clemmons, on Feb. 22 and 27, after members had rendered military honors at services for deceased veterans. “Your generosity and patriotism is appreciated by all of us, ” he mOnline: Ask SAM, 418 N. Marshall St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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How to tell if IP address has been compromised? – Microsoft Community
Answer
Hi
well done for spotting it, this is an all too common tech support scam.
apart from being familiar with this scam there are a number of giveaways.
Microsoft will not call you unless you have previously arranged it (call back etc) neither will any other legitimate tech company.
IP addresses are assigned by your isp not microsoft, IF your ip address were compromised AND IF it were causing a problem, your ISP would simply change it, which they do regularly anyway, unless you are paying for a fixed IP address.
you can’t change your public IP address it is assigned by your ISP.
anybody that spoofs the phone number so that it looks like you are calling yourself is trying to scam you.
the spam emails are likely a coincidence but as there is so much spam around it would be easy for a scammer to assume you are getting some.
for More info
also have a look at Bill Smither response here
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Frequently Asked Questions about ip address compromised scam
What does it mean when your IP address has been compromised?
They tell us that our IP address has been compromised. We’re quite sure this is a scam. … As explained on the Microsoft answers forum, “an IP address can’t be compromised, it’s just a number that identifies your system on the (typically local) network so that other computers can send responses to its requests.Mar 5, 2019
Does Microsoft call you if your IP address is compromised?
apart from being familiar with this scam there are a number of giveaways. Microsoft will not call you unless you have previously arranged it (call back etc) neither will any other legitimate tech company.Jan 21, 2020
Can an IP be compromised?
While there are some risks, your IP address alone poses very limited danger to you or your network. Your IP address can’t be used to reveal your identity or specific location, nor can it be used to hack into or remotely take control of your computer.Jun 2, 2020
