Remote support scams are everywhere. Each day, hundreds, if not thousands, of unknowing computer users fall victim to these intricate tactics designed to scare you while taking your money. But if you’ve got a watchful eye you can avoid becoming a victim.
1. The Remote Support Tech Calls You
Regardless of what your caller ID says, if someone has called you to convince you that your computer has been infected, hang up immediately. At no point is a tech support company going to reach out to you before you reach out to them. This is the most common sign that something is amiss, and any conversation should be ignored and the phone number blocked.
2. The Scammer Claims to Be Microsoft Tech Support
Microsoft Tech Support does not call customers. If anyone identifies themselves as from Microsoft, you should end the call. They may also identify themselves as:
- Windows Support Center
- Windows Support Desk
- Windows Tech Support
- Microsoft Support
This list is not exhaustive and is just an example of the sneaky names that scammers use to build your trust.
Additionally, if a warning box pops up on your computer telling you to call Microsoft Tech Support, it’s a scam. If you’ve ever seen a popup error on a clean Microsoft Windows computer, you’ve most likely read some technical jargon followed by some sort of serial number. What you won’t see on a legitimate Microsoft error is a phone number. Microsoft never places a phone number within any popup or warning.
3. You’re Asked to Visit a Website to Fix Your Computer
In order for many of these remote support scams to pull you into their trick, they’ll ask you to visit a website, in order for them to remotely connect to your computer. At no point, under any circumstances should you allow this unless you know the person on the other end.
4. The Scammer Attempts to Confuse You
Remote support scammers are great at creating false problems. By showing you things only an IT professional would understand, they work to intimidate you into shelling out money to fix your computer. At Magnify247.com, we take the time to make sure our customers understand exactly the problem that’s occurring with their technology. If at any point, you can’t completely comprehend the explanation, hang up the phone.
5. Popups or Warnings are Grammatically Incorrect
Poor grammar probably isn’t the result of a simple typo, but a scammer who may not be well-versed in English. If you notice something wrong with the way a particular popup or warning is written, ignore it. This can also apply to scammers that are trying to send you to a payment site. If anything is out of place, it’s not coincidence, it’s a scam.
If a tech support scammer is insistent that you have a problem, either hang up the phone or tell them you don’t have a computer. Through intimidation, these scammers have taken millions from unsuspecting victims around the globe. Here at Magnify247.com we can help residents of Tipton, Cicero, Noblesville, Westfield, and all of Central Indiana.
