Tech support scams are a growing fraud trend that affects thousands each year. Claiming to be a trusted company such as Apple or Microsoft, fraudsters use emails, text or even popups to convince victims their devices are compromised, they paid to renew a service they did not request, or that they are owed refunds from a company that just went out of business. The objective of the fraudster is to gain access to a victim’s computer, online banking profile or third-party payment platform and to send money out the door.
Know the signs of a tech support scam:
- Popups, emails or other messages demanding you click a link or call a provided number
- Requests to remotely access your computer or online banking profile
- Promises of money/refunds in exchange for personal/financial information
- A sense of urgency to give access or send funds now
Once a scammer gains access, they often claim you owe money or that they refunded too much money, requesting that you send funds via gift cards, prepaid cards, wires or cryptocurrency. They often warn their victims not to tell their bank the purpose of the transaction.
Protect yourself from tech support scams:
- Never give a stranger access to your computer, phone or online banking profile
- Do not send funds— especially unusual methods like gift cards, prepaid cards, wires or cryptocurrency— to someone you do not know
- Verify supposed transactions first with your bank
- Contact companies through verified methods
