Scammers pose as tech support
In this con scammers pose as tech-support employees of well-known computer companies and hassle victims into paying for their “support.”
In this con scammers pose as tech-support employees of well-known computer companies and hassle victims into paying for their “support.”
How this scam works
A call comes through on the Caller ID or a popup on the computer screen from someone claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. These companies often include Microsoft, Comcast, Norton and Dell. The caller creates a sense of urgency that your computer is sending error messages, they have detected a virus or it is about to crash and cause a massive loss of data.
Rest assured the tech-support employee can fix the problem, but only if they are allowed remote access to the troubled machine. Once access is granted, the caller will often run a “scan” and claim the computer is infected with viruses. The offer is made to fix and repair the machine for a fee. That may not be the end of the scam. If you allow remote access, malware may be installed on your machine. Malware often scans files in search of personal information, which scammers then use to commit identity theft.
Tips for spotting this scam
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you are certain it is the representative of a computer-support team with which you initiated contact.
Legitimate tech-support companies do not make unsolicited phone calls. A popular way for thieves to get in touch with victims is through cold calls. The callers often claim to be from a tech company. Scammers do and they can spoof official-looking phone numbers, so do not trust Caller ID.
Look out for warning screens. Nearly half of tech-support scams begin with an alert on the victim’s computer screen. This popup will have a phone number to call for help. Instead, disconnect from the internet and Wi-Fi connection by shutting off the device and restart it with an antiviral scan.
Be wary of sponsored links. When searching online for tech support, look out for sponsored ads at the top of the results list. Many of these links lead to businesses that scam consumers.
Avoid clicking on links in unfamiliar emails. Scammers use email to reach a large number of potential victims. These messages point consumers to scam websites that launch popups with the fake warnings and phone numbers.
If a victim of a tech-support scam
—Contact your bank immediately to report the incident and describe exactly what happened.
—Take the laptop, tablet, mobile device or computer that was infected to a trusted local business (www.bbb.org/us/oh/canton/category/tech-support) and have it checked out.
—Remove any software that authorized remote access to the device.
—Change all of the passwords used to access bank accounts, social media and other websites that contain personal information.
—File a report with BBB Scam Tracker and with law-enforcement authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
For more information
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it at www.BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help educate consumers from falling victim to scams.
Visit www.BBB.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find events, follow on social media and more.