As a IT Professional this is the one I see the most.
Some scammers may try to trick you into thinking that your device has a problem that does not exist, and then want you to allow them access to your computer to look at the problem. After quietly stealing your data, they also want charge you for unnecessary services to fix it. Here are some tips to avoid falling for these scams:
- Be wary of urgent pop-ups. Some pop-up messages may look like they are from your device’s security software or operating system, but they are actually fake. They may ask you to call a phone number or click on a link to fix the problem. Do not do that. Real security alerts and messages will never ask you to call a phone number. If you suspect that your device has an issue, update your security software and run a virus scan yourself.
- Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon will never try to contact you. The scammer will pose as a representative of a large corporation, such as Apple or Microsoft.
- Investigate the company. If you receive a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be from a tech support company, do not trust them blindly. Search for the company name or phone number online, along with words like “scam” or “complaint”. You may find out that they are not who they say they are. If you need tech support, do your own research to find a reliable company in your area that you know and trust.
- Avoid unusual payment methods. Legitimate tech support companies will not ask you to pay them with gift cards, wire transfers, money transfer apps, or Bitcoin. These are untraceable and irreversible ways of sending money, and they are often used by scammers. Only use these payment methods with people you know personally and trust.
- Don’t open Your computer to strangers. Just like you would not open your door to strangers. Do not allow anyone you don’t know to access your computer remotely.
