The Tech Support Scam: What to Know to Protect Your Family
The tech support scam is a common and dangerous form of fraud that preys on a person’s trust in major technology companies. These scams use fear and urgency to trick victims into giving up their money and, more importantly, remote access to their computers.
According to the FBI, victims of tech support scams lost over $1.3 billion in a single year, with adults over 60 being the most targeted group. The emotional and financial toll can be devastating. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting your loved ones.
The Anatomy of a Tech Support Scam
These scams almost always begin with a sense of panic or urgency to bypass a person’s critical thinking.
• The Unsolicited Call: The scammer calls out of the blue, claiming to be from a well-known company like Microsoft or Apple. They use caller ID spoofing to make the call appear legitimate.
• The Fake Pop-Up: A more sophisticated tactic involves a fake pop-up window that “locks” the computer screen. The message, often designed to look like a legitimate virus warning, tells the user to call a specific phone number immediately.
• The Fear-Based Pitch: Once the victim is on the phone, the scammer uses high-pressure tactics. They may claim the computer is riddled with viruses, that personal information has been stolen, or that the entire network is at risk.
• Remote Access and Payment: The scammer’s ultimate goal is to get remote access to the victim’s computer. Once inside, they may pretend to fix non-existent problems and then demand payment for their “services” using untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
Key Red Flags to Share with Your Family
You can empower your loved ones to spot these scams by teaching them to look for these critical red flags:
• Unsolicited Contact: Legitimate tech companies will never call you out of the blue about a problem with your computer.
• Pop-Ups with Phone Numbers: Real tech support warnings will never include a phone number for you to call.
• Urgent and Fearful Language: Scammers rely on creating a sense of panic. A legitimate company will not pressure you to act immediately.
• Remote Access Requests: Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you have initiated the call yourself to a verified, official support line.
• Requests for Gift Cards: Legitimate companies do not accept payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers for technical support.
What to Do If You or a Loved One is Targeted
• Hang Up Immediately: If a scammer calls you, do not engage. Hang up the phone.
• Do Not Click or Call: If you see a pop-up warning, do not call the number. Close the window and, if necessary, restart the computer.
• Shut Down and Disconnect: If you or a family member has given a scammer remote access, immediately turn off the computer and disconnect from the internet.
• Change Passwords: Change all passwords for banking, email, and other critical accounts from a different, secure device.
• Report the Scam: File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Your most powerful tool is an open conversation.
By talking with your family and ensuring they know these red flags, you can help them build a stronger defense against scams and avoid both emotional distress and financial loss.
20
20
20