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Cohen Warns of Phone Scams Hitting Memphis

February 18, 2015

[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after learning that Shelby County residents are receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to sell anti-virus software.

“Phone scammers are becoming increasingly savvy,” said Congressman Cohen. “Be wary of anyone who calls or emails you and asks you to relay personal information. If you are skeptical, it is best to trust your instinct. Please, for your own protection, do not give them any information.”

The anti-virus software calls are coming from phone number 845-843-7156 under the name “NYRETAIL.” The callers ask for control of your computer to install the anti-virus software and for your credit card information. Some of the callers have Indian accents.

“I was called three times on two different phone lines within the last day,” said Congressman Cohen. “The callers said that they were aware of a virus on Windows and tried to sell me anti-virus software and asked me to give them my credit card number to buy the software. They seemed knowledgeable and were very persistent. After one of the calls, I searched the Internet and found that others had been contacted about this scam.”

If you would like to report a phone or email scam, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.