A tech support rep calls and offers to fix a computer bug you haven’t even noticed, or a pop up warning appears instructing you to call for help. In this con, scammers pose as tech support employees hassling victims into paying for “support” or steal their identity.
How the scam works: You are contacted with a pop up claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. The caller creates a sense of urgency—the computer is sending error messages claiming they’ve detected a virus or your computer is about to crash.
They can fix the problem but require remote access. Once access is granted, they will often run a “scan” and claim the computer is infected with viruses. They offer to fix the machine for a fee. That may not be the end of the scam. If you allow access, malware may be installed on your machine. Malware then scans files in search of personal information, which scammers then use to commit identity theft.
People are also reading…
Tips to spot this scam
• Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you are absolutely certain it is an authorized representative and you initiated contacted.
•…
