A Review Of Tech Support Scams & Fraud: A Discussion With Raghib Khan

June 17, 2022 ReachingWorld

Tech support scammers use scare tactics to trick you into paying for irrelevant technical support services to fix device or software problems that do not exist. At best, the scammers attempt to trick you into paying them to “fix” a non-existent problem with your device or software. At worst, they’re striving to steal your personal or financial information. If you allow them to remotely access your computer to perform this “fix,” they’ll frequently locate malware, ransomware, or other undesirable programs that can steal your information or damage your data or device.

We understood the nature of tech support scams by speaking with Raghib Khan, a marketing and advertising expert with over ten years of experience. Continue reading to learn how scams are being affected by technology.

Scammers want you to accept you have a serious computer problem, like a virus. They want you to pay for unnecessary tech support services to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Because these types of payments are difficult to reverse, they frequently request that you pay by wiring money, loading money onto a gift card, prepaid card, or cash refill card, or using a money transfer app.

How do tech support scammers work?

Scammers may call you directly and pose as indicative of a technology company. They may spoof the caller ID to show a legitimate support phone number from a reputable company. They will most likely request that you install applications granting them remote access to your device. These experienced scammers can use remote access to misrepresent normal system messages as signs of problems.

As Raghib Khan points out, scammers may also contact you by displaying bogus error messages on websites you visit, displaying support numbers, and luring you to call. They may also lay down your browser in full-screen mode and display persistent pop-up messages, ostensibly locking your browser. These bogus error messages frighten you into calling their “technical support hotline.” When you interact with the scammers, they may offer bogus solutions to your “problems” and request payment in the type of a one-time fee or subscription to a phony support service.

Detecting and avoiding tech support scams

To deceive people, tech support scammers employ a variety of techniques. Identifying these tactics will assist you in avoiding the scam:

Phone calls

According to Raghib Khan, scammers, spammers, and fraudsters may call and pose as computer technicians from a well-known company. They claim to have discovered a problem with your computer. They frequently request remote access to your computer before pretending to run a diagnostic test. Then they try to charge you for a problem that does not exist. If you receive an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be from your computer, hang up.

Pop-up warnings

Scammers may attempt to entice you with a pop-up window on your computer screen. It may appear to be an error message from your operating system or antivirus software and contain logos from well-known companies or websites. Do not call the number if it appears in a pop-up window on your computer. True security alerts and messages never ask you to dial a phone number.

Online ads and listing in search result pages

Scammers attempt to have their websites appear in search results for tech support, and they could also create online advertisements. The scammers are hoping you will call the phone number for assistance. If you need technical assistance, go to a company you know and trust.

What to do if you were scammed?

If you pay a tech support scammer with a credit or debit card, you might be able to cancel the transaction. Contact your credit card company or bank immediately, tell them what happened, and request that the charges be dropped. If you pay a tech support scammer with a gift card, contact the company that provides the card immediately. Tell them you used the gift card to pay a scammer and request a refund.

Update your computer’s security software if you granted a scammer remote access to it. Then run a scan and remove anything that appears to be a problem. If you gave a tech support scammer your user name and password, change it immediately. If you use the same password for multiple accounts or websites, change it everywhere. Create a new, strong password.

How can you safeguard yourself from tech support scams?

First, make sure to follow these computer security guidelines. It is also critical to keep the following in mind:

If a caller claims that your computer is having a problem, hang up. Even if the number is local or appears legitimate, an unexpected tech support call is a scam. Scammers use fake caller ID information to impersonate local businesses or well-known companies.
Ignore any pop-up messages urging you to contact tech support. Some pop-up messages about computer problems are legitimate; however, do not call a number or click on a link in a pop-up message warning you of a computer problem.
If you suspect a virus or other threat, contact your security software provider directly, using the phone number listed on its website, sales receipt, or product packaging. Alternatively, seek the advice of a reputable security expert.
Don’t click on emails with spammy subject lines.
Make sure that you do not give remote access to your device to someone you do not know well. This way, your personal information and files get compromised.
Remember to follow basic cyber hygiene while surfing the internet.
Never give someone your password, and never give someone who contacts you unexpectedly remote access to your computer.

Therefore, if you did not initiate the tech support call because of a genuine problem that you discovered, it is a scam. If someone contacts you via phone or email claiming to have discovered a problem with your computer, you can safely ignore it and go about your business.

No legitimate company makes money by selling tech support services to random people over the phone or the internet. Legitimate tech support companies sell their support services through contracts, mostly to other businesses, monthly or on-call. So, do be aware when you are approached by suspicious parties.