What Are Tech Support Scams?
Tech support scammers scare people into believing that they urgently need technical support for their computer, tablet, mobile phone, or software.
They usually say they are working for a major technology company, and will offer to fix a problem they claim to have detected on your device, or with your software.
Clearly, no such problems exist, but it can be incredibly difficult to know for sure when you are being bamboozled with technical jargon and believe your security or device is at risk.
Once the scammer has caused enough panic to gain your trust, they will either ask you to pay money to fix the non-existent problem, or worse, try to steal your personal or financial information.
If you allow a scammer access to your device, they will typically target your bank account and withdraw money.
Only later will the victim be aware that they have had their money stolen.
It’s important to remember, if you have lost money to a tech support scammer, it is not your fault.
How Do Tech Support Scammers Target Their Victims?
There are three main ways tech support scammers target their victims:
- Telephone calls, where scammers can provoke a sense of panic in real time, and convince people they need emergency repairs or their device or software may stop working.
- Fake pop-up ‘warnings’ on your device’s screen, which may say you have a problem with your device or your computer has a virus. They will either ask you to call a phone number, or click a link that will take you to a bogus website.
- Fake social media adverts that attract you to bogus websites, created to look like those of proper companies. Once you have clicked the link, the scammer will ask you to swap to a phone call or instant messaging to carry out the fraud.
If you have fallen victim to a tech support scam, National Fraud Helpline can help you get your money back.
How To Avoid Tech Support Scams
There are some simple steps you can take to avoid falling victim to a tech support fraudster.
As well keeping your computer’s anti-virus protection and browser up to date with the latest security updates, there are two key warnings to remember:
- If you receive a telephone call out of the blue warning that you have a problem with your device or software, it is almost certainly a scam.
Reputable companies like Microsoft and Apple state clearly that they will never contact you to say you have a technical issue.
If you do receive a phone call offering technical support, politely hang up the call and do not get into a conversation – scammers are experts at playing on uncertainty so do not give the time to convince you to allow them access to your computer.
If you are in any doubt, lean on friends and family who are more familiar with technology before agreeing to anything. - Reputable companies never use alarmist pop-up warning windows on mobile phones, computers or tablets – they are only used by scammers.
Never call a phone number or click on a link that appears on a pop-up on your screen. Close the page down straight away.
If you visit a website that shows a pop-up, steer clear of the site in future, and consider installing a pop-up blocker on your browser.
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