Beware of Tech Support Scams

Please be aware that tech support scams are on the rise. If you receive an email, phone call, text message, or pop-up warning letting you know there is a problem with your computer, it could be a scammer trying to trick you into paying money to fix a problem that doesn't exist. 

How to Spot, Avoid and Report Tech Support Scams

Tech support scammers want you to believe you have a serious problem with your computer, like a virus. They want you to pay for tech support 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 credit card, or cash reload card, or using cryptocurrency or a money transfer app because they know those types of payments can be hard to reverse.

Spotting and Avoiding Tech Support Scams

Tech support scammers use many different tactics to trick people. Spotting these tactics will help you avoid falling for the scam.

 Phone Calls

Tech support scammers often call and pretend to be a computer technician from a well-known company. They say they've found a problem with your computer. They typically ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then pretend to run a diagnostic test. Then they try to make you pay to fix a problem that doesn't exist.

If you get a phone call you didn't expect from someone claiming there's a problem with your computer, hang up. Legitimate tech companies won't contact you by phone, email, or text message to tell you there's a problem with your computer.

 Pop-up Warnings

Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help.

If you get this kind of pop-up window on your computer, don't call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number.

What To Do if You Think There's a Problem with Your Computer

If you think there may be a problem with your computer, update your computer's security software and run a scan.

If you need help fixing a problem, go to someone you can trust. Many software companies offer support online or by phone, but make sure you call the number on its website or product packaging. Stores that sell computer equipment also offer technical support in person.

What To Do if You Were Scammed

If you paid a tech support scammer with your SBTFCU credit or debit card, please call us immediately to cancel the card and prevent further fraudulent transactions.

If you paid a tech support scammer with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card right away. Tell them you paid a scammer with the card and ask if they can refund your money.

If you gave a scammer remote access to your computer, update your computer's security software. Then run a scan and delete anything it identifies as a problem.

If you gave your username and password to a tech support scammer, change your password right away. If you use the same password for other accounts or sites, change it there, too. Create a new password that is strong.

Reporting Tech Support Scams

If a tech support scammer contacts you, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Learn more about the latest scams here.