Dial 1-800 Scammer... Beware of Tech Support Scams!
Got a computer on the fritz or a program on your computer that isn’t performing as it once did? This is a common problem as our computer systems get older. However, there’s also a significant chance that you may be the target of a tech support scam. According to the FBI’s IC3 annual report, tech support and government impersonation scams caused approximately $1.3 billion in losses in 2023, targeting older adults more than any other age groups combined.
How the scam starts
Your computer or other electronic device may be working as normal when a pop-up message tells you that your computer is infected or is having a critical issue. They claim to represent a well-known tech company such as Microsoft, Apple or another tech company and have you call an 800 number to start the process of fixing the problem. The pop-up may also take you to a very realistic customer service page that mimics Microsoft or Apple. These pages are designed to look real and give you a sense of ease that you are dealing with the appropriate people.
Next, they tell you they need to control your computer in order to diagnose the problem. They may have you download a program called AnyDesk which allows them to assume control of your device. Once you authorize this or a similar program to be downloaded and run, the scammer has total control of your device and immediately has access to all information stored on it.
From there, they may install a fake “anti-virus” software which is actually a malware (a program designed to infiltrate and damage your computer) program that aims to retrieve all your password information and other sensitive data.
Once installed, they may demand payment for the system. This could include having them “assist” you in accessing your online banking and initiating a transfer to them as payment. Other scammers may direct you to a different website and enter your payment information onto a page which will subsequently steal your credit card information for further use.
They may keep you on the phone and even suggest you open a cryptocurrency wallet in order to process a payment. Cryptocurrency transactions are nearly untraceable by design and sending funds via cryptocurrency will not allow the scammer to be tracked by law enforcement.
How to avoid the scam
Never trust an unsolicited pop-up, email or call. If you didn’t reach out first, do not speak to the scammer.
Never allow someone remote access to your device. This is a tell-tale sign you are being scammed. You wouldn’t let a stranger into your home, so don’t let them onto your computer.
Go directly to the source. Always visit the official websites for support. If you question if a site is legitimate, ask a friend or family member for assistance.
Watch for poor grammar. Scammers are often from other countries that do not speak or write English well. They will often times misplace words or use the wrong words entirely when speaking to you on the phone or via chat.
Never save your banking passwords on your computer.
What to do if you suspect a scam:
If you’ve been a victim of this scam, you should immediately call your financial institution to stop any future unauthorized charges. You should also work with a local computer repair company to scan your computer and remove any malicious software that may have been installed. You should also report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov. Lastly, law enforcement may be able to assist you. Keeping the information to yourself only protects the scammer.