Carrie considered herself a tech-comfortable retiree. At 64, she had been using computers regularly for almost 30 years, and had a smartphone for the last ten years. She was surprised to receive an email from what appeared to be her tech support vendor, saying that her computer had been hacked and to contact them immediately. They walked her through a process of allowing them access to her laptop computer in order to “install anti-virus software” on her behalf. But it wasn’t really her vendor. It was scammers, who convinced her to install software that allowed them to monitor her keyboard activity and capture critical banking and password information without her knowing it.
In the last several years, with the proliferation of laptop computers in many homes, tech support scams have emerged as a significant threat. These fraudulent schemes can range from fake virus alerts to unsolicited phone calls from individuals claiming to be tech support representatives. Understanding these scams and implementing strategies for protection is crucial for safeguarding yourself from financial loss and emotional distress.
The Nature of Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams typically involve scammers who contact their targets, claiming to be representatives from reputable companies such as Microsoft or Apple. They assert that the individual's computer is infected with “malware,” which stands for “malicious software,” or experiencing technical difficulties that need immediate attention. Through persuasive and manipulative tactics, scammers then attempt to gain remote access to the victim's computer, request personal information, or persuade the individual to purchase unnecessary software or services.
Recognizing the Signs
The first step in combating a tech support scam is recognizing when it might be happening. Common indicators include:
Unsolicited Phone Calls or Emails: Genuine tech companies do not make unsolicited contact to offer unscheduled support.
Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming that immediate action is needed to prevent data loss or further damage.
Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate tech support will rarely, if ever, ask for passwords or sensitive personal information over the phone.
Remote Access Requests: Be wary of individuals who request remote access to your computer to "fix" an issue, or ask you to share your screen while you access sensitive account information.
How to Protect Yourself
Education and Awareness: The most powerful defense against tech support scams is knowledge. Teaching yourself about these scams, how they work, and the common tactics used by scammers is a great first step. Knowing that these tech support offerings can be scams will help tune you in and hopefully reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes.
Verify Independently: If contacted by someone claiming to be from tech support, it's crucial to verify their identity independently. This means hanging up and contacting the company directly through official channels listed on their website.
Use Technology Wisely: Implementing technical safeguards can also help protect against scams. This includes installing reputable antivirus software, using browser pop-up blockers, and regularly updating software to fix security vulnerabilities.
Communicate with others you trust: Don’t hesitate to discuss any suspicious calls or messages you receive with trusted family members or friends. Often, talking about the experience can help identify a scam before it's too late.
Report Scams: Reporting any attempted or successful scams to authorities can help prevent future incidents. This includes contacting local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or other relevant organizations. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and your experience could save others in the same situation.
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Tech support scams represent a significant threat, but it's possible to create a robust defense against these malicious activities. By fostering an environment of awareness and support, we can protect our elderly loved ones from the financial and emotional harm caused by tech support scams.
Thanks for reading,
Tony from Team FraudWatch
P.S. If you find this article valuable, please share it to a friend or relative. We’re in this together.
