Scam calls posing as tech support have become increasingly common. Learn how to recognize these fraudulent calls so you can avoid falling victim to their tricks.
What is a tech support scam?
A tech support scam is when a scammer contacts you posing as an employee or contractor of a well-known tech company such as Microsoft, Apple, or Norton. The scammer claims there are issues detected on your computer that require immediate tech support. Their goal is to trick you into giving them remote access to your computer so they can install malware or steal your personal information.
Common techniques used in tech support scams
Scammers use various deceptive techniques to make their scam seem legitimate. Here are some of the most common methods:
Claiming to be from a trusted company
- Scammers often pretend to be from companies like Microsoft, Apple, or Norton Antivirus. This makes victims more likely to trust them.
- They usually say they are calling because malicious activity or viruses were detected on your computer. This creates a sense of urgency.
Pop-up messages
- Scammers may direct you to a website that triggers pop-up alerts with fake warnings about viruses on your PC.
- The pop-ups lend credibility to their claims that your computer has been compromised.
Remote access requests
- Once they convince you there are issues, scammers will request remote access to your computer to supposedly fix the problems.
- Granting remote access gives them full control to install malware or access sensitive data.
Red flags that indicate a tech support call is a scam
Here are some signs that a call is not legitimate tech support:
- They called you out of the blue instead of you contacting them for help.
- They ask for remote access to your computer very quickly during the call.
- They insist the only way to fix the issue is to pay for a tech support subscription or software.
- You are threatened with losing access to your computer if you do not pay them.
- They request untraceable forms of payment like gift cards.
- They ask for passwords or other sensitive information.
- The caller ID shows an odd number or no caller ID at all.
What to do if you get a tech support scam call
If you realize the call is a scam, follow these steps:
- Do not give them any personal information or remote access to your device.
- Hang up the phone immediately. Do not engage with them.
- If they call back, do not answer. If possible, block the number.
- Run a malware scan to check for anything suspicious.
- Contact the real tech company to report the scam call.
- Notify relevant authorities about the scam call attempt.
Following these tips can help protect you from losing money or having your personal data stolen if scammers call posing as tech support. Stay vigilant and avoid falling for their manipulative tricks.
