If you're getting emails about unsubscribing to free-trial services, it could be a scam

There's a new scam making its way around the internet. 

According to a release from Indiana's Attorney General Todd Rokita on Monday, consumers are being scammed through an email that they must unsubscribe from free-trial services in order to avoid charges on credit card accounts. This scam instructs recipients to call a call center for more information, rather than the more common method of providing links in the text of the email. 

Some variations of the scam involve consumers receiving a phone call instead of an email. 

Once a person reaches the call center, they are directed to a fake company website and led through steps that install dangerous malware on their computers, Rokita said.

The scammers may ask callers to download a spreadsheet and follow other instructions. Even if callers say they do not recall signing up for any free trial offers, operators may explain that it appears someone else signed up for the offers using the callers’ information. 

If you receive an email, Rokita recommends calling your credit card company and explaining the nature of the email. He also recommends instructing credit card companies to not accept any such charges if they are legitimate. 

If you suspect your computer has been compromised by a hacker, you should:

• Quarantine your device by unplugging from the network and disabling Wi-Fi. 
• Change your passwords. Make your passwords longer — ideally at least 12 characters.
• Let your family and friends know that your device or email may have been hacked.
• Scan your device for any malware, deleting anything suspicious, and restart your device.
• Install security software and set it to update automatically. Use a password manager to keep track of your passwords.

Any scam attempts can be reported to the Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General's office at www.IndianaConsumer.com.