SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

January 20, 2020

FAKE COMPUTER SUPPORT TECHNICIAN

Fake technicians claim your computer or mobile device is dangerously ill and needs an immediate, costly repair. These fraudsters are out to steal your money or your identity, not repair your machine.

How it Works:

You get an unsolicited phone call or email purporting to be from a big tech company, or you see a pop-up message on your screen warning that a virus or other malicious program has infected your device, and you need to call a certain number right away.

If you call, a “technician” asks for remote access to your computer, and once in, shows you some files that “prove” you have a major problem.  Even though there is no problem.

The “technician” says they can fix your problem for a fee, and then may offer you a monthly subscription to keep your device safe. 

The scammer may ask you to pay by purchasing a gift card and providing the account number and PIN, or request payment by wire transfer—a sure sign that it’s a scam. If you refuse to pay, the vengeful scammer may deliberately damage vital parts of your computer.

What You Should Know:

Big tech companies like Microsoft or Apple say they don’t call customers out of the blue to warn them of problems on their devices.

The files the “technician” may show you on your computer are completely benign and need no repair.  

If you send payment the scammer may call back months later and offer you a refund for some phony reason, asking for your bank account information to deposit the money; this is a ruse. 

What You Can Do:

*Screen incoming calls with an answering machine or voice mail, and once you listen to the message, decide if it warrants a call back.

*If the caller claims you have a problem with your computer or the software on your computer, it is a scam, so don’t engage or return the call.

*If you get a pop-up that freezes your screen, shut down your computer and restart it.

*Keep your security software, browser and operating system up to date.

*If you think your device is infected, have it checked out by a reputable source; most big box electronics retailers offer tech support services.

*If you realize you’ve fallen victim to this scam, and you’ve paid by credit card, promptly contact your financial institution to dispute the charge and to cancel any monthly fees you may have agreed to pay.

Your best weapon against fraud is vigilance. You have the power to protect yourself from most   scams.

To report scams, call AARP’s Hot Line 877-908-3360. Or, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

Attribution: AARP.org.