Law enforcement are warning people to be on the lookout for scams after a rural Mower County resident reported being victimized by a computer scam.

According to Mower County Chief Deputy Mark May, a rural Mower County resident reported that he had been the victim of a scam on Friday. He said he was on his computer when a Microsoft window popped up that said he needed to update his malware protection. It claimed the cost would be $300, but when he clicked on it, it indicated more had been charged to his account. He was routed to call a number and spoke to an individual who told him to check his bank account for the refund. When he did, he saw that more money than the refund had been placed in his account. The individual then told him pay the difference by purchasing Blue Dot gift cards.

The victim said he did not purchase the gift cards and later learned the money in his account had been transferred from a bank account belonging to his son.

In all, the scammers stole about $500.

May said that anyone who encounters this scam should report it to law enforcement and check for any bank account activity with their financial institutions.