Tech Support: When is it a Scam?

Tech support scammers want you to believe you have a serious problem with your computer, like a virus. They might ask you to pay for tech support services you don’t need or to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. Some tech support scammers just want you to pay ‘for their services’, but others try to steal your personal information, either by asking you to provide it or by gaining access of your device and searching through your files. Others will ‘escalate’ the scam, telling you that they will connect you with a government office that can help you recover your compromised account, finances, or identity.

Tech support scams come in many forms.

· Phone calls: The scammer calls you pretending to be a computer technician from a well-known company. They say they’ve found a problem with your computer. They typically ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then pretend to run a diagnostic test.

· Pop-up warnings: Tech support scammers try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number or make a video call to get help.

· Online ads and listings: Tech support scammers try to get their websites to show up in online search results for tech support. Or they might run their own ads online. The scammers are hoping you’ll call the phone number to get help.

How can tech support scams be avoided? First, be aware that legitimate tech companies will not contact you by phone, email, text, or social media message to tell you there’s a problem with your device. Second, know that security pop-up warnings from real tech companies will never ask you to call a phone number or click on a link. Third, remember that honest companies will not demand you pay them over the phone or in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment app, wire transfer, or by providing your bank account information.

So, what should you do if you think there’s a real problem with your computer?

· Stop shopping, banking, and doing other things on your device that involve usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information.

· Update your device and its security software and run a scan. If you do not have security software, download it for free from a legitimate source.

o Do your research to make sure you are not downloading a fraudulent program.

· If necessary, search for repair shops in your area that can help you. Get recommendations from friends and family members – or ask them for help to resolve the issue.