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Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TECH SUPPORT SCAMS

 

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 receive 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 receive this kind of pop-up window on your computer, don’t call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number.

 

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, credit union, 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.
  • 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.
  • If a tech support scammer contacts you, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

 

If you have questions, please contact a PECU Financial Services Representative by calling 800-772-1955 or e-mailing member@pecutx.org.

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