Tech Support Scam

Scammers are constantly finding creative ways to breach firewalls and steal private information.

While this is an unsettling thought, there are safety measures which you can take to prevent this from happening. The first course of action is to educate yourself on the types of scams and tactics out there.    

There is a current scheme, known as a Tech Support Scam, in which fraudsters can pose as representatives of well-known companies. They use fake pop-up messages or call to indicate that there is a virus detected on your computer and urge you to call a toll-free number to receive a free security scan. Unknowingly, people grant access to scammers, who in turn take advantage of the situation by installing malware and stealing personal information, enrolling individuals in fake programs, or charging for useless “repairs”.

So how can you avoid falling into this trap? If you get a pop-up message or number on your screen, ignore it. If you’re concerned about your device, contact your security software company through a credible number, usually located on your receipt or software package.

Lastly, refrain from any activities that require the input of personal data or money transfers (gift cards, credit cards, or wires). More importantly, if you see or experience this type of behavior, report it at FTC.gov/complaint. Let’s put a stop to scamming.

Excerpt and video from: "Avoiding tech support scams," Federal Trade Commission.