A tech support scam is a type of fraud in which a scammer claims to offer legitimate technical support services. The scammers often pose as representatives of well-known tech companies, such as Microsoft, Apple, or Norton. They may call you directly on the phone, send you an email, or pop up a fake error message on your computer.
Once the scammer has your attention, they will try to convince you that there is a problem with your computer. They may say that your computer is infected with malware, that your warranty has expired, or that you need to renew your software license. They will then offer to fix the problem for you, often for a fee.
In some cases, the scammers may even ask you to give them remote access to your computer. This allows them to install malware on your computer or steal your personal information.
How to Spot a Tech Support Scam
There are a few things you can do to spot a tech support scam:
- Never call a number that appears in a pop-up message. These numbers are often spoofed to look like they belong to legitimate tech companies.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails from people claiming to be from tech support. Legitimate tech companies will never cold call you.
- If you are unsure whether a call or email is legitimate, hang up or delete it. You can always contact the tech company directly to verify.
- Never give out personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number, to someone you don’t know.
- Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to install software on your computer. Legitimate tech support companies will never ask you to do this.
How to Protect Yourself from Tech Support Scams
The best way to protect yourself from tech support scams is to be aware of them. Here are a few tips:
- Install a security software on your computer and keep it up to date.
- Be careful about what websites you visit and what files you download.
- Don’t click on links in emails or pop-up messages unless you’re sure they’re legitimate.
- Back up your data regularly.
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