From the Federal Trade Commission
Tech support scammers want you to believe you have a serious problem with your computer, like a virus. They want you to pay for services you don’t need to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. They often ask you to pay by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, prepaid card, or cash reload card, or using a money transfer app, because they know those types of payments can be hard to reverse.
- If you’re looking for tech support, go to a company you know and trust, or get help from a knowledgeable friend or family member. If you search online for help, search on the company name plus “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
- If you get a phone call you didn’t expect from someone who says there’s a problem with your computer, hang up.
- Never call a number in a pop-up that warns you of computer problems. Real security warnings will never ask you to call a phone number.
If you spot a tech support scam, tell the Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/complaint. Check out this article https://go.usa.gov/xmeSp or this video https://youtu.be/6nSP_cnipTY about how to avoid tech support scams.
For more information on protecting your online identity, attend our webinar today, July 30 at 11 a.m. ET. Federal Trade Commission Attorney Carol Kando-Pineda will discuss ways to protect your smart devices and your identity while conducing business on the internet. CEUs are available for Accredited Financial Counselors and Certified Personal Finance Counselors. RSVP here.
