Fake Tech Support Scams

It’s easy to trust messages from tech support because they seem to be looking out for your good. But are they really from tech support? Scammers have pulled off successful scams by pretending to be tech support representatives using pop-ups with fake phone numbers.

Some Pop-Up Scam Danger Signs:

• Legit companies do not call, text or email their clients about warnings of infections on their computers. Treat any such message as a possible scam. It is the job of your installed antivirus to give you such pop-up warnings. So, you can trust a pop-up message if it’s from your antivirus.
• Warnings that your service will be shut down if you don’t call immediately.
• Pop up warning messages with a phone number are all scams. Do not fall for the messages like:
  • Call this number to talk to our technician now.
  • Call this number for instructions to fix the problem.
• Verify any such phone number using Google search to see that they are from the company that they claim. For example, a caller who claims to be from Microsoft ought to be calling from you with a number registered to Microsoft, right? Make sure the number is provided on the company’s official website.
• Look for unprofessional language in the message, grammar mistakes and spelling errors. These are dead giveaways that the message is from a scammer!

Common Pop-Up Scams

Most of these scams seem to be successful because they scare you into calling the number given to resolve your problem. They manipulate you into thinking your computer and personal data will be in more danger if you don’t call. Here are some of them:

Virus Infection Warnings

These usually have a red strip across the title to make sure you sense the danger of failing to call the number given below. Never fall for these fake warnings. The numbers belong to tech support scam networks who will do everything to get your bank or card details, then steal your money!

They will usually ask you to download and install something, which is the spyware they use to get your data. Deny any requests to connect to your computer using remote-access software.

Online Ads for Tech Support

Whenever you need to contact Tech Support for any issue, avoid Googling search terms like “tech support” and then following the top-ranking results. Scammers have their own fake tech support sites that are made to rank highly even on Google. While you trust Google results, do not always trust top ranking results. They could be paid scammer ads.

Tech support ads on social media are just as bad. Never follow these links. Instead, go directly to the websites of known and established tech companies for your query.

Tech-Support Refund Scam

When you get a message from a company offering you a refund, you will want to respond to it quickly. The trouble is, it’s usually scammers trying to get your card or bank details. They may say they have realized you were overcharged, or that the company is closing down or any such reason.

Always pause to check if you subscribed to that service in the first place. If you didn’t, which is usually the case, then ignore it. Their goal is for you to give your bank details so that the refund can be sent to you. That refund will never come. In its place, you may start to notice charges from your account for purchases you can’t remember making!

How do you Get Rid of Pop-Ups? 

• Install good antivirus software and keep it updated always. Run a full computer scan whenever you suspect a virus infection.
• Avoid closing pop-ups using the (x) symbol on the window. Instead, just close the entire tab or the whole browser or app. Some pop-ups are loaded with hidden links that will simply open other scam sites!
• Install a pop-up blocker extension in your browser, or simply activate the pop-up blocker that comes with your installed antivirus. This is usually a more complete solution to prevent unwanted pop-up banners.