Tech support scams are an unfortunate reality in our increasingly digital world. These scams prey on unsuspecting individuals, often causing financial loss and significant stress. By learning how to identify tech support scams and using available tools, you can proactively protect your personal information and financial security.

Understanding Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams typically involve fraudsters posing as representatives from reputable or well-known tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, McAfee, etc. These scam artists may contact you via phone, email, or even pop-up messages on your computer, claiming that your device is infected with a virus or experiencing other technical issues. Their goal is to trick you into granting them remote access to your computer or paying for unnecessary “support” services.

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

• Unsolicited Phone Calls: Scammers may call you out of the blue, claiming to be from a tech company and informing you of a problem with your computer.
• Pop-Up Warnings: You may encounter alarming pop-up messages on your computer, warning you of a virus or other issue and urging you to call a provided number or click a link for immediate assistance.
• Fake Emails: Scammers may send emails that appear to be from legitimate tech companies. These emails may contain links that, when clicked, take you to malicious websites or download malware onto your device.
• Requests for Personal Information: Be wary of anyone asking for your credit card information, social security number, or other sensitive personal data.
• High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use scare tactics, creating a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking.
• Remote Access Requests: Granting remote access to your computer allows scammers to steal your personal information, install malware, or commit other fraudulent activities.

Protecting Yourself from Tech Support Scams

• Be Skeptical: Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or pop-up messages saying your computer is having an issue. Verify the legitimacy of the contact by independently contacting the company through its official website or phone number.
• Never Share Personal Information: Don’t provide your credit card details, social security number, or other sensitive information to anyone you don’t know and trust.
• Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links in emails or pop-up messages from unknown sources.
• Don’t Grant Remote Access: Never allow anyone to remotely access your computer unless you initiated the contact and trust the source.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, antivirus software, and other programs to protect against vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact Your Bank: If you’ve shared your credit card information with a scammer, contact your bank immediately to report the fraud and cancel your card.
• Report the Scam: File a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection and local law enforcement.
• Change Your Passwords: If you’ve granted remote access to your computer, change your passwords for all online accounts, including email, banking, and social media.

By staying informed, you can protect yourself from tech support scams. Remember, legitimate tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue, pressure you to act quickly, or ask for your personal information. If you encounter a suspicious contact, trust your instincts and take steps to verify the source’s legitimacy before taking any action.