The phone rings!
It claims to be a technical support specialist from Microsoft. Even your ‘Caller ID’ confirms it to be a tech support number.
They’ve identified a serious issue on your system. In fact, a dangerous virus, which needs an immediate action. Being a leading software company, you believe them. They can remotely connect to your computer and eliminate the threat instantaneously, they just require your personal information, credit card number and permission to access your system.
That’s exactly the premise of Tech Support Scams. People on the other end of the line pretends to be from technical support department of well-known companies to trick you into compromising your identity, and of course for money.
Understand folks, lawful Tech Support Companies don’t function that way!!
Though spotting such online scams isn’t as easy as you might think, but it’s not even impossible. You just have to keep certain things in mind and be alert every time you receive such calls.
Read Also : How To Spot Online Travel Booking Scams?
Signs To Detect Tech Support Scams?
The attackers behind such scams implements social engineering and fear tactics in order to get the victim to take the bait, but can recognize them by looking for essential clues like:
- Scammers generally pressurise victims to act immediately
This simply indicates that caller doesn’t want you to think through.
- Scammers asks for providing personal information including account number & passwords
If the caller is claiming to be from a renowned company, then they would already have all your account information with them.
- Scammers asks you to install a certain antivirus program
They are basically trying to sell you a product which is either a counterfeit or a trial version, that means either the licence would expire or will be revoked, ultimately leaving you with useless protection.
- Tech support scammers ask you to connect to your PC
Never ever grant permission to an unexpected caller to control your system. There might be several legitimate needs, but you should always be the one initiating those requests.
- In order to resolve your issue, they ask for a fee
One certainly doesn’t have to be a genius to know that bringing up money is a way to scare people into making emotional reaction.
Once the tech support scammers gain your trust and get remote access to your PC, they have a world of opportunities in front of them.
How To Prevent Yourself From Tech Support Scammers?
First and the foremost, keep your PC Clean and secure by using a firewall, browsing web safely, keeping all your programs updated, having good password protection & staying away from pirated content.
- In the first place, make use of your sagacity, no matter how urgent any issue sound, don’t panic & understand that anyone would never call you to tell that your PC is having some security problems.
- Legit Tech Support Companies never send unsolicited emails or make unsolicited calls to request your personal information.
- Protecting your sensitive information should be your fundamental responsibility. Never ever share your credit/debit card information with anyone.
- Never install a software or program asked by the person on the other side of the line.
- Tech Support Scams are usually achieved through Pop up messages, cold calling and faulty search engine results.
- Beware of pop-up messages that claims from the tech support, no matter how urgent it seems, simply ignore and get in touch with assistance people through tech support line instead.
- Simply dodge responding to cold calls from tech support teams, they might claim that they’re from a well-known company, but it might be a trouble call.
- Only visit websites which you know and are trustworthy, leady a healthy browsing habit.
- Be double sure, when paying for tech supports. Because most of the support assistance are free of cost. So always investigate!
- Start using a Password Manager to secure all your passwords everywhere.
- When in doubt, report the scam to the respective company.
Keep in mind all the aforementioned tips to sincerely avoid tech support scams.
What To Do Next If You Feel You’re Being Scammed?
If anytime you feel something unusual on your phone, system or while browsing online. Or you’re sure that you are being scammed, be sure to follow these tips:
- Change all your credentials, from online accounts, to PC, to bank accounts and other password-protected websites you visit.
- Run a full system scan for detecting malware, spyware and virus.
- Don’t hesitate to contact your bank for any assistance.
- Do file a complaint under Anti-Fraud Bureau, if you think you’re being targeted.
Also Read : How to Use Cybersecurity Awareness Training To Change Employee Behavior?
For USA: Federal Trade Commission
For Canada: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
For UK: National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre
The consequences of tech support scam could be more serious than a few hundred dollars that can go the wrong way to drop a malware on your PC and ultimately stealing your personal and sensitive information for more profits.
So, adhere to these effective tips for better security!