Scams Part 2: Tech Support

Technology can be confusing and at times, downright annoying. Scammers have figured out how to capitalize on and take advantage of the confusion and annoyance. Have you ever been going about your business online and had a popup window show up seemingly out of nowhere? Or gotten a phone call from someone claiming they are from "tech support", maybe at Microsoft or Apple? Or an email with a similar message? Well chances are high, the person on the other end is lying. There is nothing wrong with your computer and engaging further can only result in problems.

Tech support scams all start in a similar fashion. It maybe a popup notification or email telling you something is wrong with your computer directing you to call a number to fix it. Or possibly a phone call with a nice sounding person on the other end offering to help you fix a non-existent problem. These scams are an attempt to get you to give up payment information or log directly into your bank account while they steal your money as you watch.

For illustrative purposes, lets walk through a scenario. Mike, a 50 something retiree is searching the internet for a new truck, clicking around, excited about the possibilities. When he happens to click an ad for what he thinks is a truck and a new window pops up with a warning - Your computer is infected with a virus, call the number below to fix it. Mike, not being a technically savvy individual decides to call the number. He is connected to Dave (not his real name), claims he works for Microsoft and can help him remove the virus. All Dave needs is Mikes email address so he can send him a link to download a tool. So Mike complies. He downloads a remote desktop application which allows Dave to view his computer and even take control of the mouse and keyboard.

At this point, Mike has a real problem.

While this is a fictitious story some version of this happens everyday to many unassuming Americans and they lose real money, sometimes quite a bit of money. Scammers have been known to drain bank accounts, max out credit cards, or get checks for thousands of dollars. Most of the time this money is unrecoverable. Other tactics scammers use might be convincing you to purchase a warranty or pay for a service contract.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

1. Don't answer the phone if you don't recognize the number - even if the caller ID says its from Microsoft or Apple. If someone leaves a voicemail saying there is something wrong with your computer or phone, its a scam, tech companies aren't in the business of monitoring your technology for problems like this.
2. Close and ignore the popup, make sure your anti-virus software is turned on and up to date.
3. Do not give out credit card or bank information over the phone, email, or text.
4. Never, let me repeat, never download a file and install software someone sends to you unless you know and trust them.
5. If you are concerned about a problem with your device, call a local repair shop and bring it in to have a professional look at it.
6. If you find yourself on the phone with someone and they are asking you to click a link or go to a webpage, hang up the phone. They will likely try and call back, ignore and block the number.
7. And finally, if you still aren't sure, reach out matt@cyberelephants.com.