IS Security: Beware of Fraudulent Calls

October 11, 2018

Several employees have received fraudulent phone calls appearing on caller ID to be from New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a 910 area code. The automated message claims to be from Microsoft and states either your computer is infected with malware and/or your Microsoft License has expired and needs to be renewed. The message then says to press ‘1’ to talk to a representative. Pressing ‘1’ will take you to a person who will either attempt to get you to install software or give out your credit card info.

This is a scam. Microsoft will never call NHRMC staff regarding licensing or malware. The IS department works directly with Microsoft.     

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

  • Hang up the phone.
  • Do not press ‘1’ to speak to a representative or any other numbers to opt out of future calls. By opting out, scammers then know the phone number is associated with a real person.
  • Never install unapproved software on your computer.
  • Never give out your credit card information or personal information on the phone to someone unless you have verified their identity.
  • If you receive a phone call requesting you call them and you suspect it might be a fraudulent request, look up the organization’s customer service number and call that number rather than the number provided in the solicitation email or phone call.