Tech Support Scams: Candy from Strangers

As a child, we are warned not to take candy from strangers. PSA videos show a creepy guy offering a treat to an innocent girl on a playground, like this 1984 commercial from McGruff, the crime dog. “There’s more of that in my car,” he says, hoping to lure her into his trap.  The online world is still in its youth, and we are all young, enjoying the cyber playground. Unfortunately, digital strangers are offering virtual candy scheming to scam the netizens. Fake tech support is one area of online fraud that is on the rise.  

In today’s digitally driven world, the convenience of online tech support can be a double-edged sword. While legitimate tech support companies offer invaluable assistance, tech support scams have proliferated, exploiting many users’ trust and lack of technical knowledge. These scams are becoming more sophisticated and common, posing a significant threat to online security.

The best defense is to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to identify, avoid, and protect from these malicious schemes.  Building relationships with people you can trust with your valuable tech assets is also essential.  

How Tech Support Scams Work

Tech support scams typically begin with the scammer attempting to gain trust by masquerading as a representative from a well-known company, like Microsoft or Apple. They might contact you via phone calls, pop-up messages, emails, or text messages, claiming to have detected a security issue or virus on your computer that urgently needs fixing—for a fee.

Once they’ve piqued your concern, they may request remote access to your device. If granted, they can install malware, steal sensitive information, and even demand payment for “services rendered” that were never necessary in the first place.

Recognizing the Red Flags

The first step in protecting yourself is to recognize common warning signs of a tech support scam:

• Unsolicited Communication: Legitimate tech companies do not proactively reach out to offer unsolicited tech support. If you receive an unexpected alert or call about a problem with your computer, it’s likely a scam.

• Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming your computer is at immediate risk to persuade you to act quickly without thinking.

• Requests for Payment in Untraceable Ways: Be wary if you’re asked to make payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies. These are preferred by scammers due to the difficulty of tracking and recovering funds.
• Remote Access Requests: A classic red flag is when an alleged tech support person requests remote access to your computer to “fix” the issue. This is a clear sign of a scam.
• Use of Technical Jargon: Scammers often use complex terminology to confuse victims and create an illusion of credibility.

How to Protect Yourself

Taking proactive steps can significantly increase your resilience against tech support scams:

• Verify the Source: If you receive an unsolicited offer of tech support, do not engage. Instead, contact the company directly through official channels to verify the claim.
• Do Not Provide Personal Information: Never share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited requests. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive details or payments in unconventional ways.
• Use Security Software: Ensure your computer is protected with reputable and up-to-date antivirus software, which can guard against malicious attacks.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness is a powerful tool. Educate yourself about the latest online scams and share this knowledge with friends and family.
• Report Scams: If you encounter a tech support scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, to help prevent others from being victimized.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a tech support scam:

1. Disconnect Your Device: Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent scammers from further access.
2. Change Your Passwords: Change the passwords for all important accounts, especially if you’ve shared passwords or allowed remote access to your device.  Use complex passwords.
3. Scan for Malware: Use reputable antivirus software to scan your computer for any malicious software that may have been installed.
4. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial and personal accounts for any unusual activity.
5. Report the Scam: Inform the appropriate authorities and consider alerting your bank if your financial information is compromised.

Tech support scams exploit the complex nature of computer security and prey on the unwary. However, by staying informed, practicing vigilance, and exercising skepticism toward unsolicited tech support offers, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a statistic in the growing trend of online scams. Remember, when it comes to protecting your digital life, caution and knowledge are your best defenses.  And more importantly, don’t trust digital strangers with your valuable tech.

At TecAdvocates, the most important part of technology is not technical. It’s a relationship.  Contact us today, and let’s get to know each other so we can help with your technology needs.