Is that pop-up warning a genuine alert or a scammer’s trap? Tech support scams are on the rise, designed to exploit your fear of a compromised computer. But the “help” they offer can be far more damaging than any virus. In this article, we’ll show you how this scam works so you can outsmart the crooks and keep your digital world secure.

What Is the Tech Support Scam?

In this scam, fraudsters pose as representatives from well-known tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus software providers. They use scare tactics, claiming your computer is infected with a virus or has other critical errors. They may contact you through unsolicited phone calls, pop-up ads on your computer, or even fake emails. The goal of the scammers is to trick you into giving them remote access to your computer or paying for unnecessary “repair” services. Once they gain access, they can steal your personal information, install malware, or even lock you out of your own device.

Example of the Scam

Jane receives a pop-up message on her computer screen warning of a critical security breach. The message urges her to call a toll-free number for immediate assistance. When Jane calls, the scammer, claiming to be a technician, convinces her that her computer is riddled with viruses. He offers to fix the issue remotely for a fee. Jane, worried about her computer’s safety, agrees. The fraudster then guides her through the process of granting him remote access. Once in control, he installs malware that steals her passwords and bank account information.

Tips for Protecting Yourself

• Know that real tech support agents don’t cold call. Legitimate tech companies will never contact you out of the blue about computer problems.
• Ignore threatening pop-ups. Never click on pop-up ads or links in emails that warn of viruses or errors. These are often phishing attempts designed to lure you into a scam.
• Don’t give remote access. No legitimate tech support agent will ever ask for remote access to your computer unless you initiate the contact.
• Stay protected. Keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up-to-date and run regular scans.
• Seek trusted help. If you’re having computer issues, contact a reputable technician or the official support channels of your software providers.

If You’ve Been Scammed

• Disconnect immediately. If you suspect you’ve given a scammer remote access, disconnect your computer from the internet right away.
• Run a scan. Perform a full system scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware that might have been installed.
• Change your passwords. Change passwords for all your online accounts, especially those related to banking and finance.
• Report the scam. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help them track down scammers and prevent others from falling victim.
• Dispute charges. If you paid the scammer with a credit card, contact your card issuer to dispute the charges and potentially get your money returned.

Contact us to learn more about safeguarding your financial information and securing your accounts. Our experts are here to help.