The Sudden Virus Pop-Up
Imagine this: You’re quietly browsing the web, reading your dear sister’s online obituary, when suddenly, a loud voice blares from your computer’s speakers. “Do not turn off your computer!” it warns. A pop-up screen has appeared, claiming your device is infected with a virus. [1]
What do you do? For 80-year-old Helen (not her real name) from Southern California, the next step was to call the phone number displayed on the screen. She soon found herself talking to someone claiming to be a tech support staffer from Microsoft. [1] Little did she know, this was all part of an elaborate scam.
The Impostor Tech Expert
The person on the other end of the line spun a convincing tale. “There are 36 hackers in your computer right now,” he told Helen ominously. [1] He claimed to be able to fix the problem, but for a hefty fee. Eager to protect her digital life, Helen complied.
What followed was a nightmare scenario. The so-called tech expert instructed Helen to transfer funds from her bank account to “safe” accounts, lest the hackers steal her money. [1] She dutifully withdrew cash, bought gift cards, and sent wire transfers and cashier’s checks to addresses in other cities. By the time a bank fraud investigator intervened, Helen had lost the majority of her retirement savings to the criminals.
Evolving Tactics
Tech support scams like this one are nothing new, but the tactics used by the perpetrators have become increasingly sophisticated over the years. [2, 3]
Once upon a time, these scams primarily targeted desktop and laptop users. But now, the crooks have expanded their horizons, going after our smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices as well. [4] “A lot of people forget that the device you call a phone is actually a computer,” explains Amy Nofziger of the AARP Fraud Watch Network. [1]
The scammers’ methods have also grown more devious. They might hijack your browser, switch it to full-screen mode, and hide the exit button, making it nearly impossible for you to simply close the window and be done with it. [5] Or they could use malware to gain remote access to your device, allowing them to inflict all kinds of damage, from stealing personal information to draining your bank accounts. [6]
The Persuasion Playbook
Tech support scammers have a well-honed playbook for reeling in their victims. Some might claim your security software has expired and you need to renew it. Others might even go so far as to allege that child pornography has been planted on your machine. [1, 7]
The common thread? They all want you to pay up, often in the form of untraceable gift cards, to solve a problem that doesn’t actually exist. [2] And if you fall for their ruse and grant them remote access, they can install additional malware to keep that connection open, even after you think the issue has been resolved. [1]
Protect Yourself
So how can you spot these scams and keep your digital life safe? For starters, remember that legitimate tech companies will never contact you out of the blue to warn of a problem. [7, 8] If you get an unexpected call, email, or pop-up claiming there’s an issue with your device, hang up, delete the message, or close the window.
Instead, take your computer to a trusted repair shop if you suspect something is amiss. [1] And be wary of anyone who asks you to pay in gift cards or cryptocurrency – that’s a telltale sign of a scammer. [2, 3]
Most importantly, if you do find yourself the victim of a tech support scam, don’t be afraid to report it. The more information the authorities have, the better they can crack down on these criminal enterprises. [1, 7] Your story could be the key to bringing down the next big tech support scam.
Conclusion
Tech support scams are nothing to take lightly. The perpetrators are cunning, constantly evolving their tactics, and willing to steal your hard-earned money and sensitive information without a second thought. But by staying vigilant, recognizing the warning signs, and taking swift action, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming the next victims of this insidious crime.
References
[1] Kiger, P. J. (2023). “Fake Online Tech Support: How Scammers Steal Retirement Savings.” AARP. https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/fake-online-tech-support.html
[2] Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). “How to Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams.” Consumer.ftc.gov. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams
[3] Microsoft. (2022). “Protect Yourself from Tech Support Scams.” Microsoft.com. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435
[4] ConnectWise. (2022). “Tech Scams: What You Need to Know (Infographic).” ConnectWise.com. https://www.connectwise.com/resources/infographic-tech-scams
[5] AISN. (n.d.). “Tech Support Scam Red Flags.” AISN.net. https://aisn.net/tech-support-scam-red-flags/
[6] Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2020). “FBI Warns Public to Beware of Tech Support Scammers Targeting Financial Accounts Using Remote Desktop Software.” FBI.gov. https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston/news/press-releases/fbi-warns-public-to-beware-of-tech-support-scammers-targeting-financial-accounts-using-remote-desktop-software
[7] Office for Victims of Crime. (n.d.). “Common Scams and Warning Signs.” OVC.ojp.gov. https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/common-scams-and-warning-signs
[8] Texas Attorney General. (n.d.). “How to Spot and Report Internet and Email Scams.” TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov. https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/how-spot-and-report-internet-and-email-scams
