If you’re having problems with your computer, you can call tech support for assistance. However, be warned! Tech support scams are on the rise, with scammers targeting unsuspecting users with fake warnings about viruses or system issues. These scams often trick people into providing personal information, granting access to their devices through spyware and ransomware, or paying for unnecessary fixes and services.
Tech support scams trick users into thinking their computer has a problem, often through fake pop-ups or calls claiming to be from legitimate companies. To spot a scam, look out for urgent warnings, fake viruses, payment requests, or demands to grant remote access to your device.
Identifying the warning signs of a tech support scam is essential to protecting yourself and your computer. Once scammers gain access to information stored on your devices and online accounts, they can cause untold damage.
Call a reputable computer technician such as Lee Harvey Computer Repairs, who are experts in virus, spyware and malware removal.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common tactics that scammers use, explain how to recognise a fake tech support alert and provide you with the steps you can take to stay safe online. Don’t let scammers catch you off guard – read on to arm yourself with the knowledge to outsmart them!
What is a tech support scam?
A tech support scam is a form of fraud in which a scammer claims to offer legitimate technical support services. Scammers target their victims in various ways, such as by advertising fake “help lines” online. Another common tactic is to use error message pop-ups to trick users into seeking help.
Scammers use various methods to persuade their victims that their device has problems, such as malware, when no such issue exists. The scammer then tries to persuade the victim to pay to fix the fictitious “problem” – often via cryptocurrency or gift cards. These forms of payment are hard to trace and have few consumer protections.
How do tech support scams work?
In most schemes, scammers pretend to be technical or customer-support staff of well-known companies. They often use technical terms and jargon that is incomprehensible to the average user to portray themselves as experts.
They will persuade you to give them access to your device so that they can “solve the problem” for you. These scammers can sound very credible, but they are actually playing on your fears that your device is vulnerable.
Common tactics used by computer scammers
Fake tech-support scammers often make contact by claiming to have detected a problem with your device. They might pose as a representative from the technical department of a large software developer or be a well-known antivirus company claiming to have detected malware on your computer.
These scammers use scare tactics to instil panic and create a sense of helplessness. They use this sense of nervousness to manipulate you into trusting them — making it easier for them to exploit your trust and accomplish their goals.
Unsolicited calls
One of the most popular methods of contacting victims is via direct, unsolicited phone calls. These calls can be one of two types.
- Cold Calling – In the least sophisticated case, fake tech-support scammers simply dial hundreds of numbers pretending to be tech-support employees of legitimate companies such as Microsoft. This is called cold calling, and given the widespread use of Windows, they have a high chance of reaching a user of that operating system. If, by chance, they reach someone who uses an Apple device, they make a note and try again later.
- Warm Calling – Unlike the cold call, “warm calls” involve using information obtained through breaches or leaks of customer data from companies that have had their systems or databases hacked. Knowing the victim’s name and other personal information gives more credibility and increases their chances of success. It may even be the scammer who called the Apple user phoning again, but this time using the information they gained about the victim’s computer operating system the first time around.
Pop-windows
Another popular variation of this scam is the “Virus Alert!” warning. When you visit a site, pop-up windows and notifications that mimic operating system or antivirus warnings appear onscreen.
Since scammers rely on direct interaction with their victims, they often provide a phone number for the victim to call to address the supposed issue.
Fake anti-virus software
Fake antivirus software can operate in various ways. Sometimes, they will bombard you with fake error messages about supposed viruses on your device and demand payment to clean up your system.
More worryingly, in other cases, it can work quietly in the background, spying on you through your webcam or microphone and logging your keystrokes. Because your computer sees it as a trusted program, it allows access to your computer, which could allow scammers to see, for example, your credit card details or access your bank account.
Requests for remote access
In a remote access scam, a scammer attempts to persuade you to give them remote access to your personal device. This typically starts on the phone when a fake tech support specialist tells you your computer is infected with a virus.
Once the scammer convinces you to give them remote access, they will ask you to install a program such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, which allows tech support scammers to operate your computer as if they were behind the keyboard. These programs are used for legitimate tech support and worker collaboration purposes, but they can also be used by fraudsters for criminal purposes.
What happens next depends on the scammer, but once connected to your computer, they can cause significant damage beyond financial loss.
For instance, they might use the Command prompt tool to put ominous messages on your screen. They then offer to fix this (non-existent) problem for a fee.
Remote access software gives the scammer the ability to install malicious software on your device. Undetected malware can enable hackers to steal sensitive information, such as your passwords and banking details, potentially leading to identity theft.
Payment demands
Payment is typically requested after the tech scammers have gained access to your computer. They demand a fee for fake services, such as fixing a non-existent problem (see above).
They will often take payment via your debit or credit card, and once they have these details, they can use them for other online transactions.
Requests for personal information
It should go without saying that you should be extremely vigilant about who you give your personal information – especially when it comes to unsolicited callers. The more information a scammer can get from you, the easier their job.
Requests to download software
As we have seen, the most dangerous thing you can do is to be persuaded into downloading software, as this is the gateway for remote access scams.
Giving a scammer remote access is like giving them the key to your house and the combination to your safe. If a caller claims you need to download software, be immediately suspicious.
How to protect yourself from tech support scammers
Here are four top tips to protect yourself from tech support scammers:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls: If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from tech support, hang up. Legitimate companies will never call you out of the blue to offer help.
- Don’t give remote access to strangers: Never allow someone you don’t know to access your computer remotely.
- Verify contact information: If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be from a well-known company, independently verify their contact details by visiting the company’s official website or calling their customer service department.
- Install security software and keep it updated: Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to help detect and block scams. Ensure it’s regularly updated to protect against new threats.
Never share personal information
We said it before, but we’ll say it again. Avoid falling for scams by never sharing your personal information unless you know exactly who you are talking to and can verify their identity.
Be cautious of pop-up windows
We discussed the dreaded fake pop-up scam where scammers pretend you have a problem, offer support, and even give “support numbers” to call to solve the problem. Please don’t call this phone number – it is almost certain that there is a fake “computer technician” waiting to pick up.
Call the official tech support number
If you receive an unsolicited call from a trusted company, tell the caller that you will need to ring the company’s official tech support number to verify their identity. Try to make that call from a different phone, as scammers have been known to leave the line open so that you can’t make that call.
Don’t download suspicious software
You should avoid downloading suspicious software because it may contain malware that can harm your computer, steal personal information, or compromise your security.
How can I tell if a tech support call is legitimate?
The chances of an unsolicited tech support call being legitimate are very low. Most tech support scams originate in India or Asia, but many UK banks, insurance companies and, indeed, Microsoft all have call centres in these countries, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent calls.
If the caller addresses you as “Sir” or Madam” without using your name, it is likely they just called your number at random. However, the use of your name is not necessarily proof of good faith – this could be a “warm call” from a tech support scammer.
If you look at the caller ID on your phone screen and the number is withheld, that is another warning sign, but the biggest clue to this being a scam call is the fact it is unsolicited. Legitimate tech companies do not cold call. Assume the call is a scam until you have positive proof that it isn’t.
Finally, to determine if a tech support call is legitimate, be cautious if the caller pressures you to make immediate decisions, asks for remote access to your computer, or requests payment via untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of a tech support scam?
If you think you’ve been a victim of a tech support scam, immediately disconnect from the internet, change your passwords, and run a full security scan on your device.
If any unauthorised transactions have been made, contact your bank or credit card company and consider freezing your account to prevent further identity theft. Lastly, you should report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, via the UK Police online fraud reporting tool, or your local consumer protection agency.
If you are worried that a scammer has installed spyware or any sort of malicious program on your device, then book an appointment with Lee Harvey today or call 07884 412739 for advice and support.
