Tech support scams are a scam you don't want to fall for. Check out the tips below for more information and how to spot them.
What is a Tech Support Scam?
Tech support scams use scammers to try to scare you with fake technology issues that require unnecessary technical support, all to fix a device or program that wasn't really broken to begin with. The scam can look like many different things. They might represent themselves as a tech company and even go as far as spoofing a legitimate company's caller ID. Best case scenario they are just trying to get some money from you by "fixing" a problem. Worst case scenario they're trying to steal your personal or financial information. Allowing them remote access to your computer often results in them installing malware, ransomware, or other unwanted programs to steal your information, compromise your data, or damage your device.
What to Look For
How do you know you are getting phished by bogus tech support companies? First of all, no major tech company like Microsoft is going to reach out and tell you, you have a problem with you specific device. They have millions of devices around the world. They most definitely aren't monitoring specific ones looking for problems. Secondly, the scammer will most likely try to get you to call a phone number or click on a link. No recognized tech company is going to do that either. Never click on an unrecognized link or call a phone number you don't know is legit. Finally, scammers use many pop-up windows saying your device is infected with malware or other types of software. They may also try to put you into a time crunch, telling you to call immediately or that the issue is urgent. Putting pressure or a time crunch on somebody is a tactic many scammers or phishers use. They are hoping you won't have time to think and simply panic. Then you will have a knee jerk reaction to give into whatever scam they are running. For more information please see the video below.
Protect Yourself
In order to prevent yourself falling victim to these scams follow the simple steps below and always be vigilant.
Tech companies do not send unsolicited messages or calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. If you didn't ask, they won't call.
If a pop-up or error message appears with a phone number, don’t call the number.
Companies will never ask that you pay for support in the form of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, or gift cards.
Download software only from official websites, such as the Microsoft website or store. Be wary of downloading software from third-party sites, as some of them might have been modified without the author’s knowledge to bundle malware and other threats.
You can use Microsoft Edge when browsing the internet. It blocks known support scam sites using Microsoft Defender. Also, Microsoft Edge can stop pop-up dialog loops used by these attackers.
I hope you have found these tech tips helpful! Please feel free to share these tips out or contact us with questions or comments.