Tech Support Scams

You get a phone call, pop up, or an urgent message from someone saying your computer is infected with a virus. It might seem like the message came from a well-known company, or maybe your internet service provider. The message tells you there are viruses or other malware on your computer. You are urged to call a number or risk losing your personal data.

These are scammers who want to sell you useless services, steal your credit card number, or get access to your computer to install malware, which could compromise all the information on your computer. If you give remote access to these individuals, they will often tell you they are going to give you a refund since the anti-virus software didn’t work. They will ask you to log into your online banking platform so that they can key the refund. They may tell you they accidentally sent you too much money, for example $4,000 instead of $400. They will ask you to purchase gift cards or wire the difference or they will get fired. However, they did not give you a refund, and may have moved your money or made it appear like funds were deposited into your account.

• Do not communicate with the scammer or click on any suspicious links. Legitimate anti-virus companies do not ask you to call them or call you directly.
• Don’t send money, give banking or credit card information, or give control of your computer to any unknown individuals or unverifiable companies who contacts you.
• Share this information with a friend. You might know these pop-ups are fake, but chances are you know someone who does not.
  If you are a victim of a tech support scam, it is important to contact your financial institution, open new accounts, and have your computer professionally cleaned to remove malware.