08/30/2023
ALERT ALERT ALERT ALERT ALERT
Spotting and Avoiding Tech Support Scams
*Tech support scammers use many different tactics to trick people. Spotting these tactics will help you avoid falling for the scam.
Phone calls
*Tech support scammers often call and pretend to be a computer technician from a well-known company. They say they’ve found a problem with your computer. They typically ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then pretend to run a diagnostic test. Then they try to make you pay to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.
If you get a phone call you didn’t expect from someone who says there’s a problem with your computer, hang up.
Pop-up warnings
Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help.
If you get a pop-up window on your computer, don’t call the number that's listed. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number.
Online ads and listings in search results pages
* Tech support scammers try to get their websites to show up in online search results for tech support. Or they might run their own ads online. The scammers are hoping you’ll call the phone number to get help.
If you’re looking for tech support, go to a company you know and trust.
Two Things To Know To Avoid a Tech Support Scam
1. Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you by phone, email, or text message to tell you there’s a problem with your computer.
2. Security pop-up warnings from real tech companies will never ask you to call a phone number or click on a link.
What To Do if You Think There’s a Problem With Your Computer
* If you think there may be a problem with your computer, update your computer’s security software and run a scan.
If you need help fixing a problem, go to someone you know and trust. Many software companies offer support online or by phone. Stores that sell computer equipment also offer technical support in person.
What To Do if You Were Scammed
If you paid a tech support scammer with a credit or debit card, you may be able to stop the transaction. Contact your credit card company or bank right away. Tell them what happened and ask if they can reverse the charges.
If you paid a tech support scammer with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card right away. Tell them you paid a scammer with the gift card and ask if they can refund your money.
If you gave a scammer remote access to your computer, update your computer’s security software. Then run a scan and delete anything it identifies as a problem. HIGHLY recommend bringing your system in to get cleaned up!
If you gave your username and password to a tech support scammer, change your password right away. If you use the same password for other accounts or sites, change it there, too. Create a new password that is strong.(At least 9 characters with upper, lower case letters, numbers and special characters)
If you just have questions, please feel free to call the number provided.
Thank you,
Summit Computer & Technologies, LLC.
