There has been a surge in fake tech support calls recently.
You may get a phone call from someone claiming to be from Apple, Microsoft, or Google, claiming there is something wrong with your computer.
Often they use scare words like “You’re being Hacked” or “You have a Virus Infection” to make themselves sound legitimate.
They Are Lying!
Typically, the ask for remote access to your computer to fix the problem. They may even try and show you a screen and say it proves you are being hacked.
Don’t Believe Them!
Once they get into your computer, they can root around and find your passwords, banking credentials, credit card data, and more.
Then, they often will offer you a service contract to keep you clean, often at an outrageous price, typically $300 or more.
Don’t let them into your computer.
Don’t give them any credit card number.
Just hang up.
Be careful when using a web search for a company phone number.
Many fake tech support companies buy search results for Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, etc.
The search results are almost never the real company.
Go directly to the company web site, and look for a Contact, or Help button.
Most companies use the address pattern “www.companyname.com”. Try that first!
If you ever feel uncomfortable, just hang up.
You an always call us for real help!
Yes, I had a “phish-y” feeling when calling a help support line online that looked professional and appeared to be operated by the manufacturer of my printer that was giving me problems. But sure enough, 5 mins into the call and they were asking me for access and permissions and other uncomfortable details that seemed really “off.” I decided to hang up and google the number and the company name to see if it was linked to any scams. Then I went back to the printer company website and tried harder to find a contact us, help support number or forum and sure enough the page was TOTALLY different from the earlier one I had been on with what seemed to be a scam company. I consider myself pretty informed and pretty alert/strong radar for this kind of thing. But they almost got me!
Please, please be smart out there!!