BLOG

The Federal Trade Commission offers great advice on how to spot and avoid Tech Support Scams.

This scam involves contacting you to make you believe you have a serious problem with your computer and that they are an expert that can help you fix it. They will often ask you to wire money, put money on gift cards or use an app that transfers money because these can be charges that are harder to cancel or reverse.

How Scammers Contact You
Phone Calls
Tech support scammers will often call you and say they are from a large, reputable company. They will pretend they have found a problem with your computer and will ask you to let them remote in to your computer and run a test. Then they will try to get you to pay for a problem that doesn’t exist. They may say they are from a computer security company that you have a subscription from.

RED FLAG: Your computer is a storehouse of personal and sensitive information. It should always be protected from people you don’t know. Never trust someone calling you. Think about it: how would they know what is on your computer if they are on a telephone? Do not be afraid to just hang up the phone.

Pop-Up Warnings When You are Online
You may be searching for a great restaurant online and a pop-up jumps on your computer screen and says “Threat Detected – Suspicious activity detected on your computer. Call a live technician now. 1-800-709-5348 (Toll Free)” This is a scam. If you are concerned and aren’t sure how to close the pop-up, simply close out the browser window and turn off your computer.

RED FLAG: Real security warnings on your computer from your virus protection software will never ask you to call a phone number. You can always power down your computer and go to your trusted computer support to ask if you should have any concerns.

Online Ads and Listings
Scammers try to get their listings to show when you search for tech support. The goal is to have you call them instead of reputable support when you have a problem. If you are looking for support, ask trusted family and friends and go to a company you trust.

If you think there may be problem with your computer, update your installed security software and run a scan. If you need further support, usually the store where you purchased the computer can give you technical support in person.

_{Read the full article from the FTC at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams.}