How can you avoid falling for tech support scams?
Learn how to avoid falling for tech support scams that target your tech and finances by recognizing the warning signs and taking preventive measures.
Tech support scams are a common type of fraud where scammers pose as tech support representatives from reputable companies to trick victims into paying for unnecessary services or gaining access to their computers. To avoid falling for tech support scams, follow these tips:
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls or Pop-Ups:
- Legitimate tech support companies will not call you or display unsolicited pop-ups on your computer. Be suspicious if you receive such calls or messages.
Don't Give Control of Your Computer:
- Never grant remote access to your computer to someone claiming to be from tech support unless you initiated the contact and are sure it's a legitimate service.
Verify the Caller's Identity:
- Ask for the caller's name, company, and contact information. If you doubt their legitimacy, hang up and independently verify their identity by looking up official contact information for the company.
Do Not Share Personal or Financial Information:
- Tech support representatives should never ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information. Refuse to provide such information.
Do Not Engage or Click on Suspicious Links:
- If you receive a pop-up or message claiming that your computer has a problem, do not click on it. Close the browser or application and ignore the message.
Use Legitimate Tech Support Contacts:
- If you suspect an issue with your device, use official contact information provided by the company (e.g., the customer support number on the official website) to seek help.
Install and Update Security Software:
- Keep your computer's security software up to date to help protect against malware that might be used in tech support scams.
Educate Yourself and Others:
- Familiarize yourself and your family with common tech support scam tactics, so you can recognize them when they occur.
Check Online Reviews and Complaints:
- Look for online reviews and complaints about the company or individual offering tech support services. If others have reported scams or bad experiences, steer clear.
Secure Your Computer:
- Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and software to patch vulnerabilities that scammers might exploit.
Enable Pop-Up Blockers:
- Use browser settings or extensions to block pop-ups, which can be used to display fake warnings.
Report Scams:
- If you encounter a tech support scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, and your local consumer protection agency.
Hang Up or Close the Browser:
- If you receive an unsolicited call or pop-up claiming to be from tech support, simply hang up the call or close the browser or application. Do not engage with the scammer.
Tech support scams can be convincing, but staying informed and skeptical can help you avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Remember that legitimate tech support services won't pressure you into immediate action or ask for sensitive information over the phone or via pop-ups.
Tech Support Scams: Protecting Your Tech and Finances.
Tech support scams are a type of fraud in which scammers impersonate legitimate tech support representatives in order to trick people into giving them remote access to their computers or devices. Once the scammers have access to your device, they can install malware, steal your personal information, or even demand money to fix problems that they have created.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from tech support scams:
- Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails. Legitimate tech support companies will not contact you out of the blue. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from a tech support company, hang up or delete the email immediately.
- Do not give remote access to your computer or device to someone you do not know and trust. If you need tech support, contact the legitimate company that manufactured your device or software.
- Never pay for tech support over the phone or with a gift card. Legitimate tech support companies will not ask you to pay for support over the phone or with a gift card.
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your device from malware and other threats.
- Use a strong password and two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts. This will help to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
Here are some additional tips for protecting yourself from tech support scams:
- Educate yourself about common tech support scams. The more you know about tech support scams, the less likely you are to fall victim to one.
- Be suspicious of any pop-up messages or warnings that appear on your screen. These messages are often used by scammers to scare people into calling a fake tech support number.
- If you are unsure whether a tech support call or email is legitimate, contact the company directly. You can find the company's contact information on its website or on the product packaging.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from tech support scams and keep your tech and finances safe.
If you think you have been a victim of a tech support scam, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. You should also change your passwords for all of your online accounts and contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.