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CRIME

Austrian police warn of ‘Microsoft phone scam’

Austria’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is warning people of an internet scam in which crooks are posing as employees of the company Microsoft.

Published: 16 July 2014 15:33 CEST
Austrian police warn of ‘Microsoft phone scam’
Microsoft has nothing to do with the scam. Photo: APA/MAURITZ ANTIN

The scammers phone people up and explain to them in English that their computer or laptop is infected with a virus, or that their license has expired.

They claim to be computer security experts who can fix your PC, and ask you to give them remote access so that they can harness your personal data.

After this an error message may flash up on your screen, and the ‘expert’ will ask for money in return for protection from the malware that they pretend is on your machine.

The BKA is advising people to put the phone down if they get a call like this, and emphasises that no legitimate IT security professional would ever call people in this way.

Never hand over your credit card or bank details, and if possible get the caller’s details and report any instance of this scam to the police.

 

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CRIME

UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible ‘threat’ to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Viennese police have confirmed they are investigating a possible - and unspecified - threat to the popular shopping centre in the city's 22nd district.

Published: 29 April 2024 17:32 CEST
UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible 'threat' to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Vienna police confirmed they are investigating a non-specified threat to the Donau Zentrum shopping centre, located in the Austrian capital’s 22nd district, a spokesperson told The Local. 

On Monday, pictures of an alleged internal document sent by the shopping centre to tenants circulated on social media and messaging apps. The document stated there was a “threat against the Westfield Donau Zentrum for April 30, 2024”. It stated that the authorities had been working to identify suspects since yesterday.

“The source of the threat is a photo circulating online”, the statement said without giving further details. “If we receive additional information or specifications, we will immediately inform you”, it added.

“There is currently no reason for you as an employee to worry as we are strictly following police guidelines”, the document said. It was signed by a manager of the shopping centre. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives, who confirmed a threat against the centre.

“The Center Management of Westfield Donau Zentrum can confirm a threat against the center and is in ongoing communication with the relevant authorities. We are taking the situation seriously. The safety of everyone in the center is our top priority. After coordination with the authorities, the center will be open as usual today”, they said.

The Vienna police confirmed the veracity of the statement and added, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating,” they replied after an inquiry on their official social media channels. The Local reached out to the press office for further clarification but has not yet received a response.

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