Recently a
consumer called Business Consumer Alliance to inform us of a caller who contacted her claiming to be with Google Tech Support. The caller told her that her computer
was infected with a virus and they needed remote access to the computer to fix it. When she questioned the caller further, the consumer was given a toll-free number to contact, but no one answered when she called. Luckily, she was wise enough to contact
Google directly. Her suspicions were confirmed when Google informed her that this was a scam they were already aware of.
Unfortunately, for many, these con artists often get individuals to allow them access to their personal computers, believing they are really from Google or another well-known technology company. Once they allow the caller to remotely access their device,
the scammers often make changes to the user’s settings that could leave the PC vulnerable; try to sell worthless maintenance or warranty programs; get the user to provide billing or credit card information so they can later charge for phony services or make
unauthorized charges; or install malware onto the user’s computer that can steal their information or harm the computer. The main tactic behind these swindlers is to make money off of you, not to offer help.
Keep in mind that neither
Google nor
Microsoft make unsolicited calls to help you fix your computer. Don’t fall for tricks that unsolicited callers often make to gain your trust. Business Consumer Alliance offers the following advice if you are called by anyone claiming to offer tech support:
- Hang up on unsolicited callers and contact the actual company they claim to represent directly. Don’t use the number that may be displayed on your caller I.D. Follow the example of the savvy consumer mentioned at the beginning of this article and research
the public phone number or contact the actual company to inquire about the call. More often than not, you will find that the call you received is a scam.
- Although your caller I.D. may display the name of a legitimate business, be aware that criminals spoof caller I.D. numbers. They may even spoof a local number when they are actually in another country.
- Never give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue.
- Check out the company by obtaining a Business Consumer Alliance reliability report. Also, search online for information on the phone number of the caller. This could alert you to a scam.
- If you are in need of tech support, use the contact information on your software or receipt to contact the company directly and obtain support. Beware of crooks posing on the Internet as tech support businesses. They often place ads online and pay to boost
their online ranking to convince individuals to call them instead of authentic tech support companies.
- Don’t give your credit card or other personal information to anyone calling you. The same is true for your passwords or user information.
- Never wire or send money to anyone you do not know.
If you have allowed anyone remote access to your computer, run your security software to scan for any malware or viruses that may have been downloaded. Change any passwords you may have given out and update other accounts that use the same password. If you
have paid for phony services by credit card, call your provider to initiate a charge back. Also, keep an eye on your account for unauthorized or suspicious charges. If you have been contacted by a scammer or you have been a victim, don’t remain silent. File
a complaint with Business Consumer Alliance to let others know of the scam. Also contact the National Do Not Call Registry to register your number. Conduct your due diligence and research a business before making
a buying decision.
For tips and advice on various subjects, and to receive
scam alerts, like and follow Business Consumer Alliance on our social media platforms. Visit our website to read and write reviews and to file complaints. Our services are free and we
have a wealth of information on many types of businesses and consumer issues.
About The Author:
Nicole Pitts is a Senior Business Analyst and Editor for Business Consumer Alliance. She has been with the organization for 12 years and specializes in report writing, business evaluation, and investigations. Nicole corresponds with businesses regarding
complaint trends and provides suggestions to help them alleviate problem areas that may cause concern. She also conducts advertisement reviews, reports on government enforcement actions, and assists government agencies in obtaining information. She enjoys
reading, movies, and spending time with her family. Nicole can be reached by email at npitts@businessconsumeralliance.org.