The tech support scam occurs when you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from the tech support department, usually Microsoft or a security software vendor. These scams can also originate at websites offering free computer security scans or if youve acquired a computer virus or malware that creates pop-up messages directing you to call techsupport.
In these scenarios, the scammer asks you to download software from a particular website that will give them remote access and control of your computer so they can fix it. If you comply, they typically create a real problem by
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The tech support scam occurs when you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from the tech support department, usually Microsoft or a security software vendor. These scams can also originate at websites offering free computer security scans or if youve acquired a computer virus or malware that creates pop-up messages directing you to call techsupport.
In these scenarios, the scammer asks you to download software from a particular website that will give them remote access and control of your computer so they can fix it. If you comply, they typically create a real problem by downloading malware or a virus to your system and then ask for payment to fix it. Or they may pretend that there is a serious problem when there is none and ask for payment to fixit.
In a new twist, scammers are reconnecting with those they originally scammed, inquiring about their satisfaction with their previous tech support service and offering a refund for those who are unsatisfied. They ask for bank, credit card or Western Union account information in order to process the refund but instead withdraw money from youraccount.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice about tech supportscams:
Dont give control of your computer to unsolicited third-party callers. Instead, hang up rightaway.
Dont trust caller ID. Scammers can spoof, or fake, the displayedinformation.
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BBB Tip of the Week - Sun, 15 Mar 2015 PST