CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois residents are being warned to watch out for telephone scammers who pose as representatives from Microsoft or other technology companies.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the callers claim they’ve detected virus or malware on the person’s computer. They then try to trick them into providing remote computer access or to pay for unneeded software fixes.

Madigan says her office has received several complaints from central Illinois residents.

She says residents should hang up on anyone who calls claiming they can fix a problem or asking for personal information. She says never give out your password or provide credit card or financial information.

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