The Demopolis Police Department is warning residents of a recent computer scam that will allow a scammer to access people’s computers.

DPD Chief Tommie Reese said individuals are receiving calls from people posing as Microsoft employees who will tell them their computer has a virus.

He added that if you stay on the line with them, even though he recommends hanging up, they will they will direct you to go to your computer and bring up the task manager. Once you’re in the task manager, they will have you to click on the “Processes” tab and tell you that the tasks which are running are the cause of your problems. Once you’re convinced of this, they will direct you to a company called itecAlert.

The company will have you download software onto the computer, which will give them remote access to it.

“If you don’t know the website, don’t go to it,” Reese said. “Only download software from secure websites. Just like with any other scam, don’t give any personal information to people you don’t know. In this case, don’t allow people to access your computer if you don’t know them.”

Reese offers the following tips for this scam:

•Microsoft does not make house calls.

•Never let anyone direct you to download anything to your computer.

•Never give anyone remote access to your computer. If you do, you will no longer own that machine. It could become a bot for them to steal your personal information or used as a proxy to go after other machines.

If anyone has any questions or concerns about the scam, contact DPD at (334) 289-3073.