Tech Support Scams
You’re browsing the web when a window pops up: Warning! Your computer may be infected! Or the phone rings, telling you there’s a problem with your computer and you need to take care of it right away. Whatever you do, beware of tech support scams! The good news is there’s no need for alarm. You don’t have to be a computer expert to recognize a tech support scam when you see one.
Red Flags
Fake Pop-up Warnings: Scammers might display fake error messages claiming your computer is infected with a virus.
Unsolicited Phone Calls: Scammers might pretend to be from a well-known company, like Microsoft or Apple, claiming to detect problems with your computer.
Remote Access Requests: Scammers might ask you to grant them remote access to your computer to "fix" the problem.
Scammers with access can do a lot of damage, like stealing your personal information, such as passwords and bank account details. Scammers can install malware on your computer and will end with charging you for unnecessary services.
Protect Yourself
- Never respond to unsolicited calls or emails from tech support companies.
- Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
- Keep your software updated, including your operating system, antivirus software, and web browser.
- Be cautious about granting remote access to your computer. Only do so if you are confident that the person you are dealing with is legitimate.
Fallen Victim?
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute any unauthorized charges.
- Run a virus scan on your computer.
Resources
- Microsoft Tech Support Scams: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-spot-a-tech-support-scam-b4010a77-7d34-0fac-abbd-fa57b0692604
- FTC Tech Support Scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/tech-support-scams
By knowing the signs, you can protect yourself from tech support scams. Stay safe and share this post to help others avoid this scam too.
