Don’t Be Fooled! How to Recognize and Avoid Tech Support Scams

Have you ever received a sudden phone call or pop-up message warning you about a critical problem with your computer? These are classic tactics used by tech support scammers. These scammers aim to trick you into believing your computer is infected with viruses or malware, then pressure you into paying for unnecessary repairs or software.

In this article, we’ll explore how to recognize these scams and protect yourself from falling victim.

Red Flags: Signs of a Tech Support Scam

Tech support scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure people into making quick decisions. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Unsolicited Calls or Pop-Ups: Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue to warn you about computer problems.
• Scare Tactics: Scammers often use scare tactics like claiming to have detected viruses or critical errors on your computer. They might use technical jargon you don’t understand to make the problem sound more serious.
• Pressure to Act Now: They create a sense of urgency, urging you to take immediate action to fix the non-existent problem. They might claim your computer is at risk of permanent data loss or identity theft.
• Requests for Remote Access: Scammers may ask you to grant them remote access to your computer to “fix” the issue. This gives them control over your computer and allows them to install malware, steal data, or lock you out of your own system.
• Unfamiliar Software or Services: They might try to sell you unnecessary software or services you’ve never heard of. These programs often have no real functionality or are simply renamed versions of legitimate software.
• Payment Demands via Unusual Methods: Scammers often request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services that are difficult to trace. These methods make it harder for you to recover your money if you realize you’ve been scammed.

Examples of Scams:

• The Pop-Up Scam: A sudden pop-up appears on your screen warning of a virus or system error and provides a phone number for “technical support.” These pop-ups can be very realistic and mimic the look and feel of legitimate warnings from your operating system.
• The Phone Call Scam: You receive a call claiming to be from a well-known tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple. The caller informs you that your computer is infected and needs immediate repair. They may even spoof the caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate company.
• The Refund Scam: You receive a call offering a refund for tech support services you never purchased. This is another attempt to steal your information or money. The scammer might try to trick you into verifying your personal information or credit card details to “process” the refund.

Protecting Yourself from Tech Support Scams

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a tech support scam:

• Don’t Engage with Unsolicited Contact: If you receive a call or pop-up message about computer problems, ignore it. Never call the phone number provided or click on any links in the pop-up message.
• Verify Information: If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a call or message, don’t hesitate to hang up or close the pop-up. Reach out to the company directly using a phone number or website you know is valid. Don’t trust the phone number provided in the suspicious message – look up the company’s contact information on their official website.
• Never Give Remote Access: Never grant remote access to your computer to someone you don’t know and trust. Legitimate tech support won’t request this. If someone asks you for remote access, politely decline and end the conversation.
• Be Wary of Scare Tactics: Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision based on fear. Scammers rely on urgency to cloud your judgment. If a caller is pressuring you to act immediately, it’s a red flag.
• Use Trusted Security Software: Having a reputable antivirus and anti-malware program running on your computer can help prevent actual threats. These programs can detect and block malware that scammers might try to install on your computer. Keep your antivirus software up to date with the latest virus definitions for maximum protection.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and software to patch security vulnerabilities. These updates often include security fixes that can help protect your computer from malware and other attacks. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure your software stays up-to-date.
  • Be Skeptical of Free Trials: Avoid downloading software from unknown sources or clicking on links in suspicious emails. Only download software from trusted websites and app stores.
  • Don’t Pay Upfront or with Unusual Methods: Legitimate tech support will have clear payment options, typically through their website or a secure payment service. Avoid paying upfront for services, and never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services. These methods are often used by scammers because they are difficult to trace and recover the money if you’re scammed.
  • Learn About Common Scams: Stay informed about the latest tech support scams by reading articles and security advisories from reputable sources. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provide helpful information and resources on their websites.
  • Talk to Friends and Family: Discuss tech support scams with friends and family, especially older adults who may be more susceptible to these scams. Raising awareness can help protect them from falling victim.

  • What to Do If You Encounter a Scam

  • If you suspect you’ve encountered a tech support scam, here’s what to do:

    • End the Communication: Hang up the phone or close the pop-up window immediately. Don’t engage with the scammer any further.
    • Run a Malware Scan: Use your antivirus software to scan your computer for malware. Update your antivirus software to the latest version before running the scan.
    • Report the Scam: Report the scam attempt to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ . Reporting scams helps authorities track scammers and prevent others from falling victim.
    • Change Your Passwords: If you gave out any personal information or passwords during the scam attempt, change your passwords for all your online accounts immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to help you keep track of them.
    • Consider a Credit Report Review: If you suspect your financial information may have been compromised, consider reviewing your credit report for any suspicious activity. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year.

    Stay Safe and Secure

    By being aware of the tactics used by tech support scammers and following these simple tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to their schemes. Remember, staying informed and cautious is key to keeping your computer and your information safe. Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

    • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0181-how-avoid-tech-support-scam
    • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/beware-of-scammers-pretending-to-be-from-the-cfpb/