The computer scam is simply preying on people's fears - the fear of getting a computer virus. Scammers are doing it by pretending they're reputable companies, such as Google, Yahoo, Norton Antivirus or McAfee.
"I got a call the other day from our regular customer that she had received a call that sounded very convincing, that they are calling on behalf of Google or Yahoo, Norton, McAfee and they know there are viruses in her computer and she was at risk and wanted her to let him have access to her computer," said Chambers.
Because these scammers are using reputable company names and are telling people over the phone they've acquired a virus that needs quick removal, people then allow scammers to access all their personal information.
Another customer of Chambers is a local businessman who fell victim to the same scam.
"It could potentially be bad for his business. Maybe he has proprietary information and if you have sensitive data and clients data, important data on your computer, you don't want someone having access to that," said Chambers.
The way these hackers are getting your information is by directing you to a website that will give them access to your computer so they can supposedly check if you've acquired a virus.
In reality you are giving them permission to take control of your computer and that leaves the door open to all your personal information.
"Assume if somebody's soliciting you over the phone or online, assume that contact is a potential scam," said Ray Pruitt of the Kern County Sheriff's Department. Local computer repair experts say antivirus companies do not ever call customers over the phone for virus check-ups.
"Know that if your antivirus software is Norton or McAfee, that's the program that's going to tell you what the problem is, not somebody else outside of that area," said Mart Wilburn, Owner of Mardo's Computer Repair.
If you've received a similar phone call, the Sheriff's Department is asking you to report it so they can further investigate the scam.
