IT / Tech Support Scams

Tech Support Scams are a form of fraud gaining momentum on the internet. The scammer tries to lure the victim into getting technical support for their computer that they do not need. The victim pays the scammer by calling expensive phone numbers, paying a “solution” fee or buying antivirus software which is not required or even malicious.

The scam implements social engineering and fear tactics in order to get the victim to take the bait. Internet users can be approached by cold calls, pop-up messages and by search engine results.

Once scammers have the attention of a potential victim, they will ask to use their computer remotely using applications such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk and similar ones. If a person gives the scammer access to their computer, the fake technician will launch a diagnostic test and quote a price for fixing the non-existent problem. There are 2 well-known types of payments; one-time service, or monthly subscription after ‘fixing’ the problem. This way scammers can extract a huge amount of money from their victims.

The Signs of a Tech Support Scam

The most common signs are the fear-inducing pop-up messages indicating that there is a virus on your computer, and you must call or write an email immediately. If the screen freezes after a pop-up message, shut down and restart your computer. The pop-up will usually be confined to your browser, so simply closing it might get rid of the pop-up.

Technology companies will not approach you by calling or sending emails stating there is a problem with your computer. Usually, scammers will pretend to be working at known technology companies like Microsoft, Apple or Google. In this way, they try to establish a trust to continue with the scam.

IT/ Tech Support scam is global, which makes it easier for scammers to lure victims in any part of the world. Therefore, you should look at the phone number they are referring to - usually a virtual or toll-free number, the language they speak and even their accent.  If you find anything suspicious, stop communicating and contact someone you know.

Refund Scam

The second part of the tech support scam is the so-called Refund Scam. After a while, the tech support scammer will approach a victim and state that they paid too much and they want to refund a part of the sum. They will use an excuse such as: firm is closing, or they are leaving the company. However, they will ask you to give all your bank details to send the money. If a person gives up the details, then the damage is significantly higher, until the victim realizes the money is lost.

What to do in Case of a Tech Support Scam

If you realize that you have been scammed by tech support, cease all the communications with them. Do not try to ask for money back or get into conversations. If you let a scammer use your computer remotely, run an antivirus scan and delete anything that has a chance of being malicious.

If you do not have or you do not trust your anti-virus system, these are the most popular choices:

1.       Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020
2.       Norton AntiVirus Plus
3.       Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
4.       ESET NOD32 Antivirus
5.       F-Secure Antivirus SAFE

If You Need Help With Computers

If you are no good with computers, you can always ask a friend or a family member to help you. If the threat is serious, please take your computer to the local service centre. They usually have professionals or would recommend where to go.

Try to Get Your Money Back

Depending on the payment method, try to contact your bank, credit card company or other relevant institutions and abort the transaction. Follow our guide on How to Get Your Money Back From a Scam if you need help with this. Lastly, change your passwords to strong ones.

Relevant information for Microsoft Windows users: Check the post by Microsoft

Great video tutorial on YouTube here (click on the link).

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shared their call (see video below) with the tech support scammer. 

Great video tutorial on Youtube here (click on the link).

Relevant information: For windows users check the post by Microsoft

Federal Trade Commission shared their call (see video below) with the tech support scammer.