How to recognize, avoid, or recover from a tech support scam

Posted September 10th 2024 

Beware of Tech Support Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Calls

In today’s digital age, tech support scams have become increasingly common, preying on unsuspecting individuals through phone calls. These scams often involve fraudsters posing as legitimate tech support representatives, claiming that your computer has a virus or other serious issues. Here’s a closer look at how these scams work and how you can protect yourself.

How Tech Support Scams Work

1. The Initial Call: Scammers typically call you out of the blue, pretending to be from a well-known tech company like Microsoft or Apple. They might even spoof the caller ID to make it look legitimate1.
2. Creating Panic: The caller will inform you that your computer has been infected with a virus or is experiencing serious errors. They use technical jargon to sound convincing and create a sense of urgency2.
3. Remote Access: To “fix” the problem, they will ask you to grant them remote access to your computer. This allows them to control your device and potentially install malicious software3.
4. Payment Request: After running fake diagnostics, they will claim to have found numerous issues that need immediate attention. They will then ask for payment to resolve these non-existent problems, often requesting payment through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency1.

Real-Life Impact

Many people have fallen victim to these scams, losing significant amounts of money and compromising their personal information. For instance, a common scenario involves the scammer convincing the victim to purchase expensive software or services that are entirely unnecessary2. In some cases, scammers have even installed ransomware, locking the victim out of their own computer until a ransom is paid3.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Be Skeptical: If you receive an unsolicited call about a problem with your computer, be wary. Legitimate tech companies do not make unsolicited calls to fix your computer1.
2. Do Not Give Remote Access: Never grant remote access to your computer to someone who calls you unexpectedly. If you need tech support, contact the company directly using a verified phone number2.
3. Verify the Caller: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and call the company back using a number from their official website1.
4. Report Scams: If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. In the UK, you can report scams to Action Fraud1.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family to help protect them as well2.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to tech support scams. Remember, if something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts and take steps to verify any suspicious calls.

Stay safe online!